Amsterdam

 

 

 

 

 

It may be fair to say that Amsterdam was the first city that I allowed myself to experience the essence of the city. Everywhere else, I was trying so hard to "keep things tight" that I gave little focus to this kind of thing; the message I received here was, "Let it go." 

 

 

I covered a lot of ground in Amsterdam by foot, and I'm impressed by my walking skills. A certain portion of that distance walked happened to be comprised of circles getting "lost". I had a certain system going on with the street sign/map collaboration going but then I stepped out of that system to utilize my compass so I can wonder in a general direction according to where I am and where I want to go without tryin to search for particular, often unmarked, streets. Upon chance, I ended up exploring of certain components of UvA's campus including the brain and cognition center.  Another pleasant surprise was a used book store with a philosophy section I could really appreciate. As a matter of fact, the fella working there is a doctorate candidate at the University, and I learned about a recent student-led revolution from a conversation with him and an English professor from Texas.

The way this town if constructed, with a radial structure, with canals everywhere, you're likely to arrive upon the most unexpected situations one could imagine. A guy gave me a free sub at a food shop because they had actually just closed.  I would really enjoy going on one of those cabin/barges someday.  One may live in any fashion he/she desires in Amsterdam;  there is as far ying and far yang available to human choice in this city, and the realm within that continuum someone embodies is matter of his will.  

Before leaving, I visited a coffee shop breakfast bar called popeyes treated myself  to this wonderful "happy English breakfast" which indeed included some of Popeye's spinach.

Back to the Future

Rotterdom is a city of impressive modern glass buildings, which became apparent immediately as I approached the train station to get a city map. A bum foot prevented me from really getting out there much. The general, brief impression I got from Rotterdam was economic engine and capital of Holland, with a focus on work, and little room for play. There seems to be a sincere sense of pride in the dutch way among the people.

A very modern street charge station for electric car.

Antwerp Arts and Architecture

In Belgium you can buy something through the train company called a go pass 10 with which for 55 euro: you can buy 10 passes between the major cities of Belgium which the time and location you fill in yourself (the standard ride costs six. The luxury of that for me (beyond the cost) is that you can show up to the station at whatever time you happen to get there and take the next available train toward your destination.


 I arrived in Antwerp a bit later than I had intended. After walking down an entire row of diamond shops I got the impression that the city is one with a particular propensity for luxury and fashion.  There was a prevailing African culture in the areas I was in.
  There was an orchestra performing in Rivierenhof park across the city with free admittance, so I was determined to find this place. It proved to be quite the task, but after multiple km of walking, I made it.  The ensemble played Spanish and Latin music impressive showmanship.

Bernard Orchestra





In the morning I returned to the train station for another look before I had to go find the location of my bus pickup to Rotterdam.

There is much more in Antwerp than I made it around to see.