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!