The Netherlands, where I grew up is a small country. It borders on the east with Germany and on the south with Belgium and Luxembourg. The spoken language is Dutch.

There are eleven provinces and one of the northern provinces is Friesland. Friesland has its own language, the Frisian language. Off the coast of Friesland are several small islands. 'A Light in the Dunes' is set on the island of Ameland.

Dutch Flag

Frisian Flag

The province of Friesland has many traditions and the Frisians like to keep their traditions alive. They are proud of their culture and their history. Traditional folklore and costumes are displayed at every celebration. The Frisian horse is black with proud and stubborn features and temperamental in character. In earlier times these horses were used for heavy farm work. On Sundays they pulled the family carriage to town, to church. Competitions were held with the horse drawn carriages, the farmer and his wife dressed in traditional costume. The Frisian horses are now used for dressage, in exhibitions, horse shows and in the circus.'Hero' is a Frisian stallion.

map of the Netherlands

Map of Friesland

Friesland exports dairy products, vegetables, grains, potatoes and flowers.

Tourism is another source of income for the province. Tourists sail the many small lakes and canals. Sailboats, house boats and small motor boats travel the canals and lakes in the summer time.

The Frisian people work hard on the conservation of the environment and energy. Wind farms supply many communities with electricity. Solar power is becoming more popular as energy costs rise.

This is the map of the island of Ameland. The island is situated just off the cost of Friesland. It is the second island from the left. In the past the islanders earned their living by, fishing, sailing, dairy farming and beach combing. Traditions, folklore and superstitions are still part of todays society. The main income today is tourism.