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

Brick-paved Lagedijk street with traditional houses in Zaandijk
Zaanse Schans

A Local’s Guide to the Zaan Region

A local's guide to the Zaanstreek beyond Zaanse Schans: the villages, the food, the cycling routes, and the industrial heritage that makes this region unique.

January 12, 2026
Amsterdam pedestrian street with café terraces, hanging flowers and rainbow pride flags in summer
Practical Info

Dutch Festivals Calendar 2027: Amsterdam & Noord-Holland

A practical calendar of Dutch festivals near Amsterdam in 2027: King's Day, Tulip Festival, Liberation Day, Pride, and Noord-Holland seasonal events worth planning around.

January 11, 2026
Panoramic view of the Zaan river and windmills from the Julianabrug bridge in Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans Tickets and Card: Prices and Free Attractions Explained

Compare Zaanse Schans tickets, individual attraction prices and the Zaanse Schans Card, with a clear explanation of what visitors can see without a ticket.

January 10, 2026
Tree-lined path in an Amsterdam park with a bench and a person sitting under summer foliage
Amsterdam

Amsterdam with Kids: Complete Family Guide

Amsterdam with kids: the best family-friendly museums, parks and day trips, where to stay, and practical tips for navigating canals and cobblestones with a stroller.

January 9, 2026
Cars and a campervan boarding the TESO ferry to Texel at the terminal
Texel

Texel Ferry Guide: Schedules, Tickets and Tips

Everything you need to know about the TESO ferry to Texel: schedules, ticket prices, foot passenger vs vehicle crossing, and booking tips.

January 3, 2026