The Netherlands is considered one of the low countries. Most of its parts are situated below sea level. Because of this reality, the Dutch has come up with more than one way to stay dry.

They put up windmills. They built dams. And to keep the buildings straight because of the soft soil, they put stilts below houses. Is it any wonder that they also used cow skin for this?

The first time I heard it was when my boyfriend and I visited Saint Lauren's Church (Sint Laurenskerk) in Rotterdam. It was not a calendared visit. We were supposed to go to the market in Blaak. But walking around the city led us to this church. It is such a sight, so we decided to go inside.

The said church was built in Gothic style in the 15th century, 1409 to be exact. But the first mass was not held here until 1436.

During World War II, the city of Rotterdam was heavily bombed. That is the reason why of all the cities in The Netherlands, Rotterdam ziet er anders uit. It looks modern compared to the others. Because almost all the buildings had to be rebuilt.

Maar Sint Laurenskerk nog steeds staan. It was the only building left after the heavy bombing. Now more than a place of worship, it is also a place of cultural shows.

Ok, wer'e almost forgetting. I wanted to talk about a church sitting on cow skin, right? Well, I'd say, that's a lot of cow skin. #