Gouda by candlelight

A beautiful night in Gouda!

In my imaginings, the streets of Gouda would be paved with cheese! I'll admit, I was slightly disappointed they weren't. But the light flurry of snow on our arrival more than made up for this, creating the perfect Christmas picture! The town centre was filled with candles. The mayor read the Christmas story in a deep, smooth voice that I couldn't understand, but enjoyed anyway. A few Christmas songs and a lovely rendition of Jeff Buckley's 'Hallelujah' - made beautiful by the crowd's soft taking up of the chorus - before the giant Christmas tree in the centre of the square was lit up to mesmerised applause.

Gluwein and good company made a very chilly evening warm and lovely!