Dressing Up in Dutch Tradition in Volendam (2015)

Our entire batch of Double degree - HELWD 2014 took a trip to Volendam. Volendam is a charming fishing village in the Netherlands, nearby Amsterdam, known for its colorful wooden houses, scenic harbor, and, most famously, its traditional Dutch costumes.

From the moment we arrived, the air smelled faintly of the sea, the narrow streets were lined with souvenir shops and tourists, and cheerful locals greeted us as we wandered toward the photo studio. This wasn’t just any outing, it was a chance for all of us to dress up in full traditional Volendam attire and capture once in a lifetime moment together.

among all the studios on the street, we randomly picked one. Inside the studio, the staff helped us put on layers of costumes. For the women, there were long dark skirts, striped blouses, lace caps, and aprons. The men wore high-waisted trousers, buttoned vests, and flat caps. To complete the look, we slipped into wooden clogs, which were surprisingly more comfortable than expected.

As we stood in front of the backdrop, complete with an old wooden table, cheese wheels, and fishing nets, we couldn’t stop laughing. This was interesting! Everyone looked both regal and slightly out of place in the best way possible.

Once we were all dressed, we gathered as a group for the official photo session. It was chaotic, hilarious, and heartwarming all at once. Trying to fit everyone into the frame while maintaining serious “traditional” expressions was almost impossible. But the final photo captured the spirit of the day perfectly, a beautiful mix of cultures, friendship, and shared adventure.

After the photoshoot, we walked along the harbor, indulged in freshly made French fries, and admired the boats gently bobbing in the water. The weather was sunny yet windy. It felt like the kind of day that would live in our memories long after the trip ended.

After strolling around, we decided to have our lunch together by the water. It reminded us of the joy of shared experiences, laughter, and the simple act of posing for a picture that we’ll all look back on someday with a smile. Good luck to all of us!