Every winter an average Dutch casts glances at the thermometer, hoping for a real cold to come.
The cause for such a strange wish is called Elfstedentocht, or the Eleven cities tour.
The monument of Elfstedentocht
Tag: Netherlands
Dodgy kiwi
A year ago I posted about fruit groves in Houten. Last summer brought a sudden news on that topic.
A decade ago our neighbour has planted a kiwi tree. The plant has been growing into our two gardens, but has never given a single kiwi fruit. Until the last summer, that is, because mid-August we’ve spotted the first fruit ever! Too bad for our neighbours, it was a dodgy one, as it’s growing on our side of the fence.
SAIL Amsterdam 2015
Between the 19 and the 23 of August Amsterdam hosted a huge marine event called SAIL Amsterdam. It’s held once every five years, and is most known for its tall ships (apart from hundreds of other ships). During the event they sail in loops around the IJ lake, giving the area a totally different look and attracting millions (yes, millions) of visitors.
For these days bridges over the IJ are open or even get dismantled to let the tall ships sail in.
Getting a Russian visa
In my last post I offered you some insight into the Hell’s Kitchen, usually labelled with a sign Почта России (Russian Post).
This story is about a quest called “getting a Russian visa”. I have to warn you it won’t be as dramatic as the previous one. Partly because the main burden is usually on the shoulders of the receiving person.
As I had ho experience with a Russian visa, I decided to get a private one, which means you need an invitation from someone living in Russia. It might be a better idea to get a tourist visa instead. Because even getting an invitation is a task for a smart, swift, brave, patient and lucky.
Up in the air
Summertime is the high time for flying.
One of my colleagues has got a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and his own share of a light aircraft Diamond Star DA40-TDI. Which he offered us to fly.
It’s been my first, but hopefully not last, experience with this type of aircraft.
Trimming big
I’ve always wondered how those mile-long roadside hedges get trimmed. And recently witnessed the process, which, expectedly, makes use of technology:
The Gentle Storm and Stream of Passion in Melkweg
It’s been a while since my last gig report, time to catch up with the latest developments in the Dutch rock world. I’ve a perfect occasion as I’ve seen two live rock legends.
The project called The Gentle Storm, which is just one year old, were presenting their debut album The Diary in the Amsterdam club Melkweg (I’ve seen Pagan’s Mind there before).
Happy New 2015!
We had a great time celebrating the New 2015, together with our Russian and Ukrainian friends.
Here, outside of our homelands, we’re still friends, you know.
