Richard Alexander
About the writer

Richard Alexander

Based in Zaanstad, Noord-Holland

I've spent years crossing Europe — first as someone who worked in Amsterdam for years and never quite stopped exploring from there, and since then across the rest of the continent whenever time and a decent flight or train connection allowed it. I grew up between the tulip fields of the Bollenstreek, studied in Haarlem and later in Nijmegen, and now live in Zaanstad, a short cycle from the windmills of Zaanse Schans. The Wandering Clogs is where I write up the places, routes and small local details I'd actually tell a friend about — not a polished highlight reel, just what's genuinely worth your time. When I'm not travelling, I'm usually cooking, out fishing, or already planning the next trip.

  • 📍 Lives in Zaanstad, Noord-Holland
  • 🌷 Grew up between the tulip fields of the Bollenstreek
  • 🎓 Studied in Haarlem and Nijmegen
  • 💼 Worked in Amsterdam for years
  • 🍳 Hobbies: cooking and fishing
Travel guides

Every guide by Richard Alexander

Leiden canal street lit by lamplight at dusk with reflections in the water
Haarlem

Haarlem vs Leiden: Which Day Trip Should You Choose?

Haarlem vs Leiden compared: distance from Amsterdam, atmosphere, museums, and which fits better depending on your interests and time.

March 7, 2026
Brick archways and courtyard of a historic Dutch fortification shaded by a large tree
Amsterdam

Hidden Gems Near Amsterdam Only Locals Know

Hidden gems near Amsterdam that most tourists miss: lesser-known villages, viewpoints, cycling routes and local food experiences in Noord-Holland.

March 7, 2026
Adult and child looking across the sheep fields at Schapenboerderij Texel
Texel

Texel with Kids: A Family Visit Guide

Visiting Texel with kids: best beaches, the seal sanctuary, bike rental for families, and a realistic overnight or day itinerary.

March 5, 2026
Snow-covered bicycles and trees along an Amsterdam canal in winter
Amsterdam

Amsterdam in the Rain: 25 Things to Do

25 real things to do in Amsterdam when it's raining, from museums and covered markets to canal cruises with shelter — organized by neighbourhood and budget.

March 3, 2026
Cars and a campervan boarding the TESO ferry to Texel at the terminal
Texel

How to Get to Texel from Amsterdam

Step-by-step directions from Amsterdam to Texel: train to Den Helder, ferry schedules, costs, and tips for the smoothest connection.

March 3, 2026
Four-panel collage of historic Dutch town architecture including a church, town hall stairs and canal streets
Haarlem

Haarlem Day Trip Guide: Best Restaurants, Hidden Gems, Beach & Why It Beats a Second Day in Amsterdam

The complete insider guide to Haarlem 2026: best restaurants, the hidden Amsterdamse Poort, cycling to Zandvoort beach, and why this Noord-Holland capital beats a second day in Amsterdam.

February 27, 2026
Leiden canal street lit by lamplight at dusk with reflections in the water
Leiden

Leiden Day Trip Guide: Burcht, Leidens Ontzet, Naturalis, Hortus Botanicus & Best Restaurants

The complete insider guide to Leiden 2026: the Burcht viewpoint, Leidens Ontzet on 3 October, Naturalis, the Hortus Botanicus tulip history, Rembrandt's birthplace and hidden steegjes restaurants.

February 26, 2026
Traditional fishing boats and a passenger boat moored together in a Texel harbour
Wadden Islands

Wadden Islands Guide: Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland & Schiermonnikoog

Which Dutch Wadden island is right for you, how to reach each one by ferry, and the best things to do across Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog.

February 25, 2026
Close-up of windmill sails and wooden structure at Zaanse Schans
Leiden

Leiden in One Day: A Step-by-Step Itinerary (2027)

How to spend one day in Leiden: canals, Naturalis museum, the Burcht citadel, and the best spots in the university quarter, hour by hour.

February 23, 2026
Traditional fishing boats and a passenger boat moored together in a Texel harbour
Texel

Texel vs Terschelling: Which Island Is Right for You?

Texel vs Terschelling compared: access from Amsterdam, beaches, size, and atmosphere, to help you choose between the two largest Wadden Islands.

February 23, 2026