Monday, October 24, 2016

Rotterdam: Sunny, 14

Rotterdam, Something Different

Yesterday morning we went to visit Rotterdam. We had plans to go elsewhere to see a unique art gallery with Van Gough and others on display, but Utrecht was closed to train traffic due to maintenance, thus adding a couple of extra travel hours to an already long day. So we changed plans and headed off early...drag racing another train as it turned out! An auspicious beginning...we won!
The early morning light was again fairly good as we gazed out across the fields. Mind you, not like the other morning, but nice enough. There's a windmill out on the left in the mist.
We arrived at Rotterdam's new central station where they have pretty cool trains...
but honestly the new station is amazing...
In 1940 Rotterdam and it's strategic harbour was targeted by the German airforce and essentially bombed flat. The city was largely rebuilt in post war style, but in recent years considerable construction has occurred again changing the complexion of the city.  

We wandered into the center of town
and began our day with a visit to another museum...hey, I'm travelling with Erin! There are no other options:). This one, the Boijman Museum, had a different feel to it. For example, the coat rack. Hang your coat, pull it skyward and lock it...no umbrellas allowed please. Everything an art piece. 
Then we made a little of our own art in the Infinity Room.
Ha! It was a hoot, endless fun!
Of course there was more traditional art...yawn. Those Dutch Masters begin to look the same after a while:)  
Erin finds a zone when we are in the halls of these beautiful galleries. Her knowledge is amazing...down to the smallest detail! I was already camped out on a bench when I shot this one, and she was just working her way through the massive inventory of this special exhibit of Whatshisname.
I liked the more interactive art, and it seems there were other fans at my sophisticated level as well. That's Erin marching for the door in behind. Young at heart this 3 year old and this slightly older photographer!
Ok, museum itch scratched and it was off to see what I'd really come to see...the incredible architecture and harbour area associated with Rotterdam!
This is the Markthal Building.
Quite something! 
Inside is a huge market with restaurants and shopping. The walls have residences and offices. Hold on to your shorts as you watch these next pictures!
The entire arched ceiling is painted with colour and objects. It's very dynamic. 




We busied ourselves finding lunch in all the right places. Here we found Turkish food and reminisced about our various travels together in Turkey. Sadly the country has taken a turn and we hope that things will settle soon. We've met some lovely folks there over the years.
This is what this area looked like pre-war...
and today.
The cathedral, largely destroyed in 1940 was subsequently rebuilt over many years. Sadly we couldn't get in to see the photo exhibit of pre & post war Rotterdam. Next time.
I'm always amazed with the bikes in Holland and the way they carry on with life from the saddle, or as in this case, the working end! Endless numbers of children and babies in the front end area. No helmets worn here and the way things are set-up there isn't a whole lot of need for this. I felt this way during an 900 km ride here 4 years ago. Though I wouldn't feel that way in most other European countries.
Then we walked a portion of the Maas River, what the Rhine is called in the Netherlands. Our pals David and Denise will ride through here shortly on their Rhine River ride. Last I read on line they were having an excellent adventure, and it's put cycling in Europe again next year top of mind for both Annemarie and I. There is a cycle trip,that has been bubbling away these past three years. Of course there's walking as well?







We'd walked a long way and still hadn't reached the main harbour area. We decided to turn off as we've learned to leave something for next time. Based on our travel history, we will likely return here. I was to have met Steven here, a fellow we met on the Camino Portuguese this year. He'd invited me to visit and that was my intention, but our change of plans altered that possibility. I'll write and arrange to stay in touch and hope to meet on our next visit.

Today is my last day in Europe and outside Canada this year. Fortunately another year begins in just two months:) who knows what that will look like? I've generally organized myself for departure tomorrow and eaten my last pan de chocolate this season...sigh. 

It's been a great travel this year. Much has happened, most all of it excellent. Considerable experiences to no doubt reflect on as I sort through the many photographs and my 'journey thoughts' this winter. Growth and challenges always comes from unusual quarters on these roads less walked, often unexpectedly. It never fails to make me wonder, the blurry half-thoughts that come sharply into focus during a long Camino. Things that are often far from my mind when I depart home. Burdens we carry somehow become a little lighter along the trail. Things to be addressed at home come better into focus. Camino experiences with Rob, Neil & Sarah and of course Annemarie have been fulfilling, and in some instances have had surprising and unexpected outcomes. New and old lessons learned and relearned. Much is left to ponder on long winter walks. As always these walking journeys have become an integral and wonderful component of my post work... lifestyle. 

Special thanks to our pal Ken who has faithfully posted a comment on our blogs each day. I know you were dying to be here with us Ken...and you may not realize it, but you were. Many thanks also to family and friends who have sent messages along the way. Always very appreciated. It's humbling to know just how many people find something of interest in my walking journal. I write for myself, but I'm conscious that many folks tag along from numerous places on this small planet. Last time I looked a week ago there had been over 8,000 hits on the blog during this trip alone. That in itself provides me with wonder...I guess it's all a part of our global community. Certainly there is a desire out there to walk in new places with new vistas and new people. 

Now I'm anxious to return home, change my clothes and sleep in a somewhat familiar bed! Then to see family and friends. And of course walk a little and think about next journeys. They can take many forms!

Buen Camino!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Leiden: Sunny, 15

Reflections

Yesterday Erin needed to work so after a very, very lazy morning I went for a long walk to look more closely at this very beautiful city. 
As I walked I had time to reflect on many things including Erin's opportunity to live here, splitting time with Santa Barbara. What a special moment in her life. For sure she is missing her partner and friends, but the option to spend the better part of of the next two years living here following her passion is difficult to argue with. All too soon living a more traditional life will arrive, but I don't think that she will ever regret the decision. Don't worry Seth, she misses you hugely! You are very supportive and key in this process.

So as I walked I reflected, but not about this journey. That will happen more when I arrive home. Coming along all too soon. No, I reflected on the photography that I have been privileged to enjoy and on the reflective imagery that I have experimented with along the way this time. So I decided to try and see this city in that way, and here are a few of the results.









Ok...Erin is waiting at the train station for our next adventure. Gotta fly!

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Den Haag, Leiden, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Nice...Sun, Cloud, 12-17

Riding The Rails, Walking The Canals

What a lovely way to see a country! Since 1981 I've had the pleasure of many visits to this fair country. Three times in the last 4 years, and I always enjoy the familiarity, The Windmill at Wijk bij Duurstede, by Van Ruisdael in 1680, my very favourite painting of Holland. Wouldn't this be nice to hang on our wall?! Whenever I look at it it speaks of that special light and sky one often finding here. 
But I always find something new as well. I mean who would have guessed that we'd find a fair with rides in Dam Square, Amsterdam! Those Dutch always find a way to surprise!
Late last night...

Erin and I have travelled all over the place and have had some fun, that's for sure! We always do when we travel together, and that's pretty special! We've been riding the rails from town to town, city to city. 

An early morning photo taken from a high speed train on the way to Amsterdam.
We have found our way to many places...

Lovely little markets abound, each with fresh stroop wafels...yum!
A quick trip to Haarlem where Annemarie and I staged our 3 week bike ride when we arrived from Canada.
Some lovely sights along the canals.
Yesterday we travelled in to Amsterdam for a long day, a late dinner and a train ride home. Excellent!

Small pumpkins!



We had a nice pasta lunch in a small funky place that Erin came to know when living in Amsterdam for a time a couple of years ago. Then we wandered to the flower market for a look around and as we exited the sky had a forbidding look. 
We decided that it was time for a hot drink so we walked on quite briskly and found a great window table on a canal...inside. The outside tables were busy serving apparently oblivious to the approaching storm. Thunder cracked, the rains fell and people generally fled. All that was eventually left were the pigeons who carefully selected the snack that suited them best.
We headed off to check out a few places including Rembrandt's house where you can visit for €10. Bet he'd have loved that. Gave up the house when he was facing bankruptcy.  Apparently he tried to hold on to this house tooth and nails, but without luck.
Fall is definitely touching this area. Cold nights are changing the tree colours.

Express delivery in Holland! Has to be on a bike!!

Amsterdam is showing its Cheistmas and Cinter Claus look already! Excited Caitlin?

Then it was time to catch the train home. 
These birds were cooked!