The Markerwaarddijk is a 30-km stretch dike that separates 2 lakes: The Markermeer on one side, and the IJselmeer on the other side. The dike is part of the Netherlands’ 20th Century program called the Zuiderzee Works, which involves creating dams around the Zuiderzee and reclaiming lands using polders, as a way to improve flood protection as well as for agricultural expansion.

It continues to amaze me how Dutch people could actually conceive of this idea and build a long piece of highway across a massive body of water. Driving through a dike, with grass bordering on one side, and very low railings on the other side is a new experience for me. It was scary at the same time relaxing. What I learned is that it is important to really slow down when you see a huge truck coming on from the other side of the road. Trust me, it is not a funny experience! Especially for one driving a compact, I really felt the whole car shake and move backwards to the direction of the wind! But the whole experience was awesome!  I am completely at a loss for words.

Because we havent had our shopping spree yet, Xing and I agreed to drive through the dike and back, a total of 48 minutes detour, including a pit stop at the middle to take pictures. However, we didnt manage to make good photos as it was too windy and our hands just cant hold the camera for long, we had to come running back to the car to seek refuge against the windchill!

As it turns out, this Saturday wasnt too bad at all. We managed to check off our shopping list, both from Batavia Stad and Amsterdam, then capped the night with some Chinese dinner and drinks with friends at De Botterwag in Den Haag.