Kinderdijk Windmill

Kinderdijk is near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. It is a world heritage site with 19 well-preserved windmills (including one which almost burned down a few years ago). The mills drain water from the Alblasserwaard polders which lie below sea level - this is the Low Countries after all.

The scene of these mills on the banks of the canal-like polders presents a wonderful photo opportunity, helped for me by a fine day with clear skies.

Most of the windmills, including this one, are lived in. What is most surprising, for a Brit like me, is the sheer power of the sails as they turn. Believe me ... there is nothing peaceful about a windmill sail close-to.