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
Every guide by Richard Alexander
Texel Bike Rental Guide: What You Need to Know
Renting a bike on Texel: where to rent, costs, child seats and trailers, and the best bike paths for first-time visitors.
Amsterdam Public Transport Explained
How Amsterdam's trams, buses, metro and ferries work: tickets, the GVB app, OV-chipkaart, tap-in/tap-out payment, and which pass actually saves money for your trip length.
The Perfect Zaanse Schans Day Trip from Amsterdam
Plan the perfect Zaanse Schans day trip from Amsterdam with a realistic half-day itinerary, transport handoff, windmills, workshops, lunch and crowd-avoiding timing.
Volendam Food Guide: What to Eat at the Harbor
A local's guide to Volendam's food scene: fresh herring, eel, seafood platters, and where to eat along the harbor without overpaying.
Zaanse Schans vs Kinderdijk: Which Windmills Should You Visit?
Zaanse Schans vs Kinderdijk compared: distance from Amsterdam, what each site actually offers, crowd levels, and which one fits your itinerary best.
Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans: Train, Bus, Car or Bike?
How do you get from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans? Compare train, bus, car and bike routes, including travel time, current-cost checks, station walks and local tips.
Is Texel Worth Visiting? An Honest Assessment
Is Texel worth visiting from Amsterdam? An honest look at the island's beaches, nature reserves, travel time, and who will get the most out of a trip.
The Best Time to Visit Giethoorn: How to Beat the Bumper-Boat Crowds
The "Dutch Venice" without the day-trip chaos. When to arrive, the quietest months, and how to do Giethoorn properly by car or boat.
The Alkmaar Cheese Market: How to Beat the Crowds on a Perfect Day Trip
The complete insider guide to the Alkmaar Cheese Market 2026: when to arrive, where to stand, what to eat, and why Alkmaar makes a relaxed Dutch day trip.
The Dutch Foods Locals Love But Tourists Often Overlook
The real Dutch food guide for 2026: bitterballen, the FEBO kroket, kapsalon, Surinamese roti and the old Dutch sweets at Zaanse Schans — what locals actually eat every week.