May 17

Delft: (part 2)

So I was misinformed. The Nieuw Kirk IS undergoing restoration, but for 7 Euro, you can climb the 347 steps to the top of the tower, (and listen to the 48! bells in the carillon, and view the 17th century upper notes that are out of tune, but have been hung inside for show). I did, and recollect my trip to Belgium and Germany some distant years ago when my daughter was 13, and we climbed every tower we could! The admission also allows one to view some of the royal tombs in the main church, and see the scaffolding in front of where the organ used to be. I guess the Kirk is closed on weekends and holidays.

The Oude Kirk is interesting: the bourdon bell is 9 tonnes, and very deep sounding, but they are nervous about chiming it much, saving that for important events ( like the holiday this weekend!). The tower is more than 2m out of plumb, and has sunk towards the canal. This is not new- they actually put pinnacles on the top that ARE plumb, and so the tower appears ‘kinked’. It is amazing what you learn when returning and asking more questions, and attempting a little harder to understand the language! Photos don’t really show this much, from where I could get a picture, so you’ll have to just imagine. If you check yesterday’s posting, the picture of the Nieuw Kirk tower, you can see the observation platforms, at the very top, just above the carillon bells, and just below.

Delft is a very cool place to visit, with a very different approach: there are bike roads, with separate traffic lights, and there are masses of people (many university students) riding everywhere. Very green, and cool!