The Trip that was: September 26th, 2010/2012/2014/2019

 2010

Every year, we typically have a couple of quiet (or not so quiet) days with the family getting together.  On this day ALL the kids and grandkids were there, and it got a little loud.

We left home around lunchtime to head to Egmond an Zee with friends, and their adorable daughter.  I adored this day at the beach. Is-a-Bell-ah! As she called herself taught me the words for big car, GROTE AUTO!! (said with her little hands waving in the air) and threw up in the backseat of the car on the way. She recovered and had so much fun.  In fact, I made a book of our adventures and gave it to her. 

Anyway, Egmond aan Zee! The lighthouse there is named for a Dutch Naval hero, Jan van Speyk.  During the Belgian Revolution, when his ship was blown into the port at Antwerp and he was boarded by angry Belgians, who demanded he surrender and lower the Dutch Flag.  He fired his pistol into a loaded canon and declared, "dan liever de lucht in" (I would rather be blown up).  28 of his crew were killed along with him.  They didn't really get much say in the matter. I guess that kind of bravery makes you a hero and stuff gets named in your honor. Like a lighthouse, so you don't run ashore in a gale...

So busy! So much to do!! 

Hard to say good bye to such a fun day. Especially when the days end in that glorious Dutch light. There's a certain quality to the light that I'm not used to in North Carolina. 

2012

Tropenmuseum.  I was never really sure what this was about.  They call it a World Culture museum.  But it was mostly empty and had very random objects on display.  It seems to be geared towards teaching children about cultural history more than anything.  But the building is beautiful! 

Pretty sure this was a night we had fondue at Fondue & Fondue on the Overtoom, which is why we were walking back through Vondel Park at night. 

Tram 5 stops on Museumplein, in front of the Concert Gebouw. In case you EVER need to know that. 

2014

Our last day in London.  We had spent the morning at the National Gallery and to my disappoint the room with ALL the Caravaggio's was closed for the day.  That's the way it goes with museums.  They often do work on the ONE room I want to see.  I guess it's a reason to return.  In the midst of this, I realized I had forgotten to pick up a souvenir for someone and had to go back to the gift shop at Buckingham Palace! We paused long enough to take a few shots along the way. 

Thus the sun sets on this portion of the British Empire and our journey to London.

2019

Harderwijk.  Ridiculous name, isn't it?? But we were there to visit the Marius van Dokkum museum. van Dokkum paints social commentary that isn't meant to be cynical, but to amuse as he points out the silly foibles that we all encounter in our daily lives and relationship.  

Here's an example! Haven't we all done a puzzle and "lost" the piece!? 

I loved this piece from the museum collection.  Walking through the museum, staring thoughtfully at each piece, and suddenly you are confronted by this work. You become the art, not the admirer. People would laugh out loud when they realized the intention. It's technically great, and so much fun. 

I've been told my predilection to take photos of dead birds is downright strange.  Is not, says I.  Better artists than I have been doing it for years. 

No, it's not a plane crashing.  It's a World War II memorial, dedicated to the 112 men who were killed in and around the area.  Planes would crash into the IJsselmeer and their bodies would sometimes wash shore.  Quite grisly and sad. 

Aren't they a pretty, preening bunch.

Stopping in Walhalla for a pint, and to get out of the cold rain and wind. 

Walhalla. They're a bit...quirky. 

And another random bit of quirkiness, just beyond the restaurant, there lives an alligator sculpture. I don't know-- but I like it. 

I'll leave you with a brief video of the "harbor" boardwalk in Harderwijk on a very gray and windy day  

Tot Ziens!