We are having major computer issues – laptop is having its hard drive replaced – you know the one – slot out, slot in – but here in the Netherlands it takes from 2 to 4 weeks apparently. So far we are in week 3. Don’t think Acer and Computerland are doing any kind of [...]
Continue reading about A Quick Note – in case you have been looking
Trams in Amsterdam are run by the Gemeente Vervoerbedrijf (GVB for short. It means, as far as my limited Dutch can assess, “Local Government Transport Business”). On Thursday morning, 25 November 2010, I caught a Number 9 tram from Amsterdam Central Station to Alexander Square. I don’t remember the exact time – shortly before 10:00 [...]
August 2010 is the 30th anniversary of Haarlem City Jazz. And we went last evening through the town square (Grote Markt), we went around the crowds which were gathered at the big stage listening to Jazz (Michiel Borstlap Band). We meandered through and around the throngs to our usual Thursday evening Jazz venue “In den [...]
On Sunday we went for a short, meandering bike ride, ostensibly to pick blackberries between Haarlem and Sloterdijk. We were armed with containers for the blackberries, sandwiches and liquid – a couple of cans of beer and fruit juices. Yes we picked blackberries, Yes there were plenty, but we were wearing sandals and that is [...]
or do we have a family of mice – I don’t know, I only see the evidence of their presence. What to do???? We have 2 spunky mouse traps – that capture the offending bench crappers and kills them, neatly. BUT what does one use to attract these mice. Nothing according to the mouse trap [...]
New Zealanders have long been fervent All Blacks supporters. My Darling says nothing is noisier or more partisan than JW and I watching an All Blacks match. Yeah, right. Except the Orange brigade, that is. The World Cup build-up in the Netherlands was intense and orchestrated, as Nederlanders got themselves ready for the event. All [...]
Did you missed the Flower Parade? Watch the compilation video of TV West. It does take 25 minutes and is spoken in Dutch. But don’t let that put you off. You can just turn the sound down or off, So press the arrow on the screen and go. Get Flash to see this player. Flowers [...]
Continue reading about The Flower Parade 2010 – if you missed it
My Characters from Koninginnedag – Queens Day – Birthday Celebration There was much orange about as well as Red White and Blue. The Dutch flag flew with the pennant of the House of Orange flying proudly above it. Orange ballons, orange food, orange clothing and orange hats and some really interesting people in Orange.
Continue reading about It was Orange In Haarlem on April 30th 2010
Big Band on Bikes in Haarlem – orchestra on Bikes doesn’t sound right somehow. We had biked quietly to Hillegom in the late afternoon, and we watched the flower parade come through. We also had priviledged seats – seats that we had discovered when arrived in Hillegom – about 9.5 k’s from home in Haarlem. [...]
I wanted stationary photographs of the Viking Float – being a Viking, born in Denmark and because it was fantastic. But you do not always get what you want – and probably all Dutch people know that the whole parade does not end up in Haarlem for viewing because it is just too big. It [...]
