Monday, September 21, 2009
Colourful elephant
There were over 100 of these elephants in Amsterdam when we were there. They are all painted in different designs by local artists and will be auctioned in November with the proceeds going to a charity that looks after the conservation of Elephants.
We bought a miniture version of one of the elephants, painted exactly as the large one. It is hand painted and there is in a limited run on 500. Very cool.
Colourful bike bicycle
Because there are so many bikes in Amsterdam, people try and paint their bikes in eye catching colours so they can spot where they left their bike a little bit easier!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Amsterdam
Dutchman making some settings changes to the Windmill. He was engaging a secondary gear as per the photo below. This is a fully functioning Windmill that produces Dyes. The windmill was built in 1672!
We had a fantastic time in Amsterdam. So much to see and do. The 'dammer's were very friendly and we really enjoyed walking around the city.
We took an early morning flight on Saturday and returned on Tuesday evening.
We were staying at a B&B called Fort Amsterdam which was very nice and had great canal views. It also had a beer dispenser fridge in our room and they provided the coins for it! Not many places do that.
The two gay guys that ran it also had a very cute french bulldog.
We did some day trips to Harlaam, The Hague and Delft (home of the expensive blue and white Delft pottery).
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Venice V
Typical alleyway in Venice. Flat, clean and picturesque.
Osteria (pub)
This is a porter delivering luggage to a hotel!
An opera singer and accordian player seranading some wealthy turista's (tourists).We flew into Venice last Friday afternoon.
Our accomodation was very nice and was 10 minutes stroll from the airport bus. The airport is 6 miles away and only cost 3 euro per ticket.
We had a look around Venice that evening and the next day did lots of walking around Venice. We visited the San Marco Basilico church which was interesting and we took a trip up the Campanile. (more photos of those to follow).
A good piece of advice if you are planning on visiting the San Marco Basilico: pre book your tickets online like we did. Saved us from having to queue for an hour like other people did!
On the Sunday, we visited some of the Islands: Murano, Burano and Torchello.
It was really great walking around Venice and taking in the local culture and seeing lots of interesting old houses.
We purchased some tickets on the Vaporetto which is a water bus. It cost 28 euro for a 72 hour pass and it worth doing.
On the Monday, we did more walking around.
Had a really nice dish there that was vegetarian! It was pesto pasta and was essentially freshly made pasta in fresh pesto and olive oil. A red wine was a perfect accompaniment!
We also indulged in many gelato's!
Venice III
Even the boats on Burano are colourful.
Notice that one house faces one way and the other faces in the opposite direction.
Venice II
The two JC's!
Colourful houses on Burano Island.
More colourful houses.
Most of them had washing drying outside.
Colourful house in need of repair.Burano is also known for its small, brightly-painted houses, popular with artists
If someone wishes to paint their home, they must send a request to the government, who will respond by making notice of the certain colours permitted for that lot.
Venice
Interesting glass sculpture on Murano. Was actually quite large..almost as tall as me.
Walking along in Murano.
Lots of beautiful water taxi's zooming around. Really set a nice scene as they look like the kind of 50's boats that James Bond would drive.
On our way to Torchello Island. (about 30 minutes from Venice on the Vaporetto {water taxi})
Gondola's lined up in Venice waiting for rich turista's (tourists) to part with their cash. We overheard one guy getting a quote for a gondola trip and it was going to be 120 euro's!
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