Europe 2012- Day 24: Den Bosch

Monday I decided to take Nathan and Ken to ‘s Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) which is only a 20 min train ride north of Eindhoven. Den Bosch is home to St. John’s Cathedral as well as some of the oldest brick buildings in the Netherlands.

We decided to jump on the 11:47 train up to Den Bosch which we found to be packed. We actually had to stand the whole way there, so I was glad it was only a 20 minute ride.

Upon arriving we headed towards the cathedral. As I had been there before I knew my way, which saved some time. The cathedral was open so we went in and looked around. There are lots of stained glass windows as well as a beautiful pipe organ in the back. The organ dates back to the early 1600’s although it has undergone several restorations over the years.

Something odd about a nun texting

While we were inside the cathedral they started what I think was considered prayer in the church choir. There were mainly nuns with a few members of the public.

The outside of the cathedral was under restoration when I visited it 2 years ago, but this time I was able to get a nice view of the outside without scaffolding covering half of it. In its most recent renovation 25 stone angels were added to the cathedral, including a modern angel that is wearing jeans and holding a telephone. Apparently the phone only has one button though; it’s only good to call God. 

After leaving the church we went in search for lunch. The guys were wanting to try something Dutch so when we walked by a place that had pannenkoek on the sign I suggested we stop. Pannenkoek is the Dutch word for pancake. However theirs are way different then the short stack you would find in America. You get one large pancake that is probably about 12” in diameter and it’s pretty thin with different things cooked into it. Ken and I had an apple and bacon pancake while Nathan went for just the apple. They usually bring you powdered sugar and a thick syrup that has a pretty strong flavor(of what I’m not quite sure) to put on top. I have to say I thought my pancake was excellent. 

After lunch we walked around the city for a while till it looked like it might start raining, then we headed towards the train station. Just before the train station I had to stop and buy some Bosche Ballen (a large chocolate covered cream puff) so the guys could try them later. 

Once on the train the rain started coming down letting up before we arrived in Eindhoven giving us a dry spell to walk to the apartment before the skies opened up once again to a downpour.