The Netherlands: a tiny country, very flat, some parts below sea level, water, boats, clouds, open markets, fries and croquettes, bikes, flowers, old dike houses and modern structures...
This past fall I spent a few weeks there. It's where I was born and raised but I didn't think much of it when I was growing up. I see it through different eyes now! I travelled the same routes travelled long ago by bike, boat or hike. All very Dutch!
Here's a small glimpse.
Threatening clouds and rain showers don't get in the way of a friendly chat!
Rainy day during the weekly market in Oud-Beijerland.
Ultra new market hall in Rotterdam. The ceiling consists of 4000 painted panels, printed on metal sheets in the United States.
Sky-scrapers in Rotterdam, a city that was almost completely destructed in the second world war.
Dike houses ("dijkhuisjes") in Oud-Beijerland.
Very old harbor in Puttershoek. Not visible: an old cafe overlooking the river.
"Platbodem"
Biker crossing a bridge called the Swan by locals in Rotterdam.
Bicyclist in Rotterdam.
Typical polder dike in Strijen.
Colorful fields in Heinenoord.
Fall foliage in a garden center in Numansdorp.
Sunset from my childhood home.
There's no logical reason to include the following image in a blog about the scenery in the Netherlands. Only the Dutch would understand! It's just that one cannot go anywhere in this country without seeing, smelling and/or eating "friet en een kroketje"!
Fries and a croquette. Missing: mustard and mayonaise.
Check out my previous blog: www.marleenvandenneste.com/blog/a-quick-journey-through-holland
More photos of the Netherlands here: https://marleenvandenneste.smugmug.com/Places/Binnenmaas/