The Traditional Cheese Market in Gouda

In Gouda, they still do things the old-fashioned way. Not only do the participants wear traditional outfits, they also do business the old way too through a process of negotiating while slapping each other’s hands. I’m not sure what the history is behind the hand slapping but what I found most interesting is that they are actually doing business even though it all seems like a tourist gimmick. Once the deal is made, the cheese wheels are loaded onto a horse-driven wagon to be delivered to the respective buyers. This too is done the old fashioned way by guys in traditional outfits.

If you’ve got time, then Gouda is definitely worth a visit. It’s accessible by rail, road, and bicycle path.