Blogs from Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, Europe - page 5

COPENHAGEN/HAMBURG/ROTTERDAM Day 86 I went extra early to the train station to scout out the best location to get onto the train and to see how many people would be waiting for the same train; there were far too many people waiting. My plan on getting on to the train was not even to bother searching for an empty seat that is unreserved, the staff already warned us that there maybe 15 seats unreserved and about 100 of us waiting to fill them, I would look for the best spot to put my bag down and sit on top of it. So that is exactly what I did. I got on the train and found the perfect spot that I could comfortably sit on top of my pack while everyone else scrambled up and down ... read more

As the yellow double deck train that we’re on leaves the tunnel from Amsterdam Schipol, we peer out the window to see about fifteen centimetres of snow covering the entire countryside. All the ponds, drains, and most canals have frozen over and as the train heads south we spot forlorn looking ducks wandering across the frozen waterways looking like kids who’ve had all their toys taken away. At Rotterdam, Sally and Andrew are on the platform to welcome us to their new city and we follow them to their new apartment. In true northern hemisphere style, they’ve got a real six-foot high pine Christmas tree decorated with fairy lights and intricate glass baubles. Cool... how Christmasy... After dumping our luggage and a quick cup of tea, we figure that, seeing as it’s our first day of ... read more

Pounding techno music mixed with cheesy Dutch tunes. The smell of Surinamese food being cooked by the outdoor street vendors hits my nose as I walk away from central station into the centre of Rotterdam. Girls dressed in super tight spandex and people laughing and clinking proost (cheers) throughout the streets. Floats, set atop trucks ride past you with people in lavish costumes and impressively mounted sound systems. I’m walking towards them, a proud owner of a brand new Open water diving license in one hand and my hand to the phone trying to get in contact with Shetal in the other. Yes I’m in Rotterdam, yes it’s the 25 of July and yes Summer Carnaval or in Dutch the Zomercarnaval is on. Zomercarnaval is a yearly event in Rotterdam and is meant to mimic the ... read more

Well I finally made it to the Netherlands. I must admit I've been keen to get here since leaving Australia nearly eight months ago. I'm not quite sure what was driving me to visit this country so much but i gotta tell you... Dutch woman riding bikes in gorgeous little summer dress's is as good a reason as any to stay!!! After leaving Antwerp I headed north about one hour into the Netherlands and ended up in Rotterdam about an hour later. Heading across on the train I suddenly realised why they all rides bikes around here.. it's just so flat... On one hand you could almost call it a 'boring landscape' at first glance but upon a closer look you soon realise there's an amazing little network of rivers, canals and well designed farmland. I ... read more

A walk through history I've been resting up at my sister's for several days, feasting on the fabulous cheese, rich yogurt, delicious chocolate and fresh baked bread. Having fortified myself, it's time for a foray into the countryside and a chance to walk off those extra calories. Thus, a day trip and walking tour of Brielle, located about 25 miles outside Rotterdam. This small and picturesc town dates back to 1306. It's claim to fame is several fold: not only is it one of the few fortified towns with many of it's defenses intact and still visible, it was also the scene of a historic event, one that is still celebrated today. During the Eighty Years' War between the Netherlands and Spain, the Capture of Brielle on April 1, 1572, by Protestant rebels, the Watergeuzen, (or ... read more