Sunday 25 May 2008

Amsterdam

Travelled to the capital this afternoon, to attend a concert by an Argentinian tango ensemble. There were engineering works all over Holland, making our journey a trip down the backroads. Normally, you´d take the train straight through from Arnhem to Amsterdam, but today, it required two changes.

On arrival in Amsterdam, it started to rain heavily. We took the wrong turn or two, making it a 45 minute walk in the rain. Afterwards, we went for a meal in a pancake restaurant nearby. Amsterdam is total mayhem, with tourists, cyclists and trams coming at you from all directions. Worse than that, the streets outside Central Station have been dug up, so it was a bit of a cultureshock for the cousins from the country.

The music was excellent (compliments to all performers), and performed with all the passion you´d expect with tango music.

On returning home, the rain had stopped and a late sun came out on passing Amersfoort. Those familiar with Dutch geography will realise that you don´t normally pass that city when travelling from Amsterdam to Arnhem - the result of the diversions in place. It was still light at 10.30pm - but that´s nothing compared to the Stornoway sunset times.

Pictures

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

45 Minutes... WOW!!  I hope it wasn't TOO wet out there!!  Sounds like a nice way to spend the day!!  OK, so what time was sunset in Stornoway????

Joann

Anonymous said...

The train service is a lot different to ours isnt it? lol  ,.we have had rain all day ...love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

As always, enjoying the pictures and your narratives about your day.  Hoping this finds you feeling, well, good.  

Anonymous said...

We've had rain all day also, and very windy and cold.
Sorry to hear you got wet.  But it sounds like you enjoyed the concert.
Love the photos as I always do.
Hugs
Carolxx

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a rainy day for sure. Hope you didn't get too wet. Glad that you enjoyed the music. Thanks for sharing pictures. Helen

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed the pictures.  Some familiar from Bob's visit there. I wonder if any of those cars parked along the canals ever end up in the water?  Sorry your day was dampened by the rain.  It seems it always hits when we don't want it to.  I bet the hustle & bustle was a shock to your Stornoway system. Linda in WA

Anonymous said...

hello guido, although i haven't been commenting i have been following the shell gallery, the photos are wonderful i love the buildings over there, maybe one day i will get to see them myself! thanks for sharing. take care mrs t xx

Anonymous said...

Beautiful architecture.  Amsterdam looks like a beautiful place.  I have really enjoyed all of your pictures so far.  Thanks for sharing.  I get to see your country through your camera lens.  Great job!~

Blessings!~

Susan
http://journals.aol.com/Rjet33/CountryLiving/SouthernStyle/

Anonymous said...

Ja jong, normal is Amersfoort niet op de weg!
natalie

Anonymous said...

hey Guido! Leuk dat jullie wat plezier daar had!
Ik wist helemall niet dat tango werd gedanst in heel Nederland!
nat

Anonymous said...

Sounded like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for the great photos
hugs Jayne