Elder Ellsworth and Elder Jones live in Alkmaar. This city is very well known for it's Friday Cheese Market. We decided to do some "cheese finding" with the elders before inspecting their apartment.
The elders live in a beautiful small village right next to Alkmaar called Heilo. The tree lined streets are dotted with unique homes.
As we drove to Alkmaar, we passed a chesse vendor on his way to the market.
In 1365, the city owned only one pair of cheese scales, but this increased to four in 1612. The kaasdragersglide (the cheese carriet's guild) was established on the 17th of June in 1593.
Lorries filled with cheese from the Campina and Cono factories drive to the Waagplein. The so-called "kaaszetters" start putting up the cheeses as early as 7:00 am.
Under the watchful eye of the market superintendent, they place about 30,000 kilos of Gouda and Edam cheese in long rows on the Waagplein. The number of cheeses varies from 700 to 1000. During the "stacking" samplers and traders inspect whether the cheese looks good. The way cheese looks is of major importance. Inspecting cheese is more than just looking at it's exterior. Cheese is knocked on and a special cheese scoop is used to obtain a piece, which is then crumbled between the fingers and smelled.
Today, the job of cheese carrier is an honorary job performed in addition to a person's normal job.
Elder Jones and Elder Ellsworth found "cheese finding" very beneficial!
The elders are loving their experience in Alkmaar. Their apartment passed with flying colors!
Missionaries are invited to talk to everyone! They live above a 2nd Hand Winkel. (Second hand Store). It was closed! Too bad for me! As we were getting their picture they contacted the man who came to go to the store.
The elders decided that this is a good place for contacting!
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