I don't know. On one hand, it seems unlikely, given how specific all the detail about the (real) town of Sneek/Snaek is? It seems like an odd thing to fictionalize. On the other hand, the only alternate explanation I have is that the spelling "Elst" is outdated, which given that there's another town called Elst, also seems unlikely. *pulls hair* I have no idea which opinion I favor, really.