Spending this spring break in the Netherlands has been a fantastic learning experience. My good friend Christian and his partner Kat were the best hosts a person could ask for. Being busy with school up to the moment of departure kept me from forming any real expectations for the trip. This is, to be honest, the way that I love to travel. Stay loose.
Over Whidbey Island (Home)
Hand Truck - Christian and Kat's Place
Camera Shy - Christian and Kat's Place
Trying to Keep My Eyes Open for the Pancake (Just Arrived)
Christian and Kat live in what I would refer to as a “Tiny Home”. They built it to live in while they replace the existing home on their property. Later, it will become a guest house. The craftsmanship and decor are very attractive. Everything has a place, even Kat’s dog Yuko. Besides the intriguing conversations, I particularly enjoyed the game night that lasted until two o’clock in the morning. Kat soundly defeated both Christian and I in Hero Realms. This evening was accompanied by New Kids on the Block hits. At one point, I called on the power of the hit “Hangin’ Tough”. With my champions stunned and health reduced to zero, I will think twice about relying on inspiration from the boy band. The simplicity of this beautiful home has convinced me to further explore a live-aboard boat situation in my hometown of Langley.
Entrance - Utrecht Bicycle Garage
Picking a Spot to Park - Utrecht Bicycle Garage
Ready to Haul - Haarlem
Bicycles rule, and nowhere else can I imagine in a larger way than in the Netherlands. I’m still riding the high of the Dutch commitment to the most beautiful machine. Christian and I spent hours cycling bike paths to and from Utrecht. There, we pedaled into bicycle garages and locked our frames to metal stands. One particular garage will hold 12,500 bicycles when it is complete, making it the largest in the world. If we in the United States desire a transportation system to model our future after, the Netherlands, in my opinion, is the obvious choice.
Every moment of the trip would be worth writing about. Early on, Christian and I climbed the Dom Tower, the highest church tower in the Netherlands. Our young tour guide was refreshingly blunt in her approach. The massive bells and spectacular view of Utrecht were worth the 400+ step climb.
Eyeing the Climb - Dom Tower, Utrecht
Dom Tower Bells (Tour Guide in Red)
Copper Graffiti - Atop Dom Tower
Potato Eaters - Van Gogh Museum
Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette - Van Gogh Museum
Looking In - Van Gogh Museum
On all of my travels, I am drawn to the artwork of the place. Street art is of interest, although it is not prevalent in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, we spent several hours in the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. Their collection of his work is the most comprehensive in the world. My only misstep was taking a picture of the “Potato Eaters”, which prompted a verbal reprimand from a disheartened staff member. A deep desperation lay beneath his “No pictures!” Upholding this standard has undoubtedly impacted job satisfaction and turn-over rate.
Jumping Off Point - Utrecht Central Station
Tap In, Tap Out (Turnstile View)
Under Cover - Amsterdam Central Station
Canal Scene - Amsterdam
Light Beer and Bicycles - Amsterdam
Leaving Late - Amsterdam
Later in the week, we visited Kat’s father, Fritz, in Enkhuizen, a port city associated with the once powerful East Indian Company. It was enjoyable to wander the bright waterfront; the extra layers of clothing that I brought cut the chill. Fritz treated us to his fine home and, later, dinner at a local restaurant. I ordered the Bree salad.
Fritz's Project - Enkhuizen
Town Gate - Enkhuizen
Exploring the Waterfront - Enkhuizen
Bow - Zuiderzee Museum, Enkhuizen
As with any fulfilling trip, many moments were spent conversing on street corners, captivated by movement, enjoying a beverage and light fare. If I had to choose, these are my favorite times.
Knowing that one trip is a stepping stone to the next, I have decided to begin cycling across Europe this summer. What will that be like?
Contemplating Raw-Herring Sandwich and Great Church - Haarlem
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