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Pleasant Bicycle Parking
Sunday was a magical day, as the sun returned for a brief visit, and when I saw the sign in the photo, I suddenly started to feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland. We had been out for a walk along the canals, enjoying the sunshine and scenery. On the way back, we passed the […]
The Genteel Beauty of Lievendaal
There’s a charming villa on the eastern edge of town near Lepelenburg Park. It’s called Lievendaal and was built in 1862. I’ve been meaning to write about it for ages, or at least, I’ve been meaning to do the research on the building, since I’ve been taking photos of it for years. This first photo […]
Nijntje and Miffy
The weather is still cold and grey, although the rain has held off for most of the day. Small blessings. However, I did notice this colourful window near the Stadhuis this afternoon, featuring Nijntje (AKA Miffy), the little rabbit created by Utrechter Dick Bruna. The weather may not be smile-inducing, but this window display above […]
Amsterdamned and Utrecht Blessed
At various points over the years, I’ve seen and heard references to the film Amsterdamned, a 1988 Dutch horror film focused on the canals of Amsterdam. The reason why I’ve heard about the film is because of a famous boat chase. Two speed boats — one with the masked killer and the other with the […]
Feeling like a crackhead in Varanasi
I squeezed past a scattered group of drinkers clutching cans like bags of crack.
Wordless Wednesday: Utrecht in the Sun
Tagged: #inutrecht, photography, utrecht auction house, utrecht in de zon, vendhuis utrecht, wordless wednesday
The 2 types of study abroad
My second semester was everything I'd wanted from my first.
Amanda Knox + Italy's 'bella figura'
Part of it is the media’s bias toward stories featuring white American girls in distress.
The Ghost of Spring
We had about a week of good weather — sunshine, trees and flowers in full bloom, warmer temperatures — and then on Saturday we went back to cold, wet weather. I hope that wasn’t the extent of our spring/summer! Fortunately, I was able to get out and take some photos during the brief golden spell. […]
Saudi Women Victims of "Restriction for Protection"
The following opinion piece was written by Dr. Badria al-Bishr, a Saudi lecturer, novelist, and columnist. It was first published in Al Hayat on April 25, 2013, and was reprinted in English in Al-Arabiya on April 26, 2013. Saudi women victims of ‘restriction for protection’ By Dr. Show More Summary
Jeddah Art Restoration Project Video
I've published many photos of Jeddah's amazing sculptures and lamented about their deteriorating condition due to the harsh elements here in Jeddah. Previously I reported that the Jeddah Restoration Project was underway and now it is nearing its completion. Show More Summary
Beer and Bravery
For some people, alcohol takes away their inhibitions, not to mention their sense of self preservation. To look at some cats, you’d think they were raging alcoholics, doing whatever they want, when they want, and going wherever they want. I spotted this gorgeous Siamese cat enjoying the view from a sign for a local brewery […]
Notes on Missing Japanese
Before he climbed up into his top bunk, I said tentatively, “Konbanwa.” Good evening.
The Sound of Utrecht’s Domtoren
Today is Hemelvaart (Ascension Day) and a holiday here in the Netherlands. One of traditions (although I’m not sure how widespread/popular) is to head out early in the morning for a walk or bike ride. I woke up relatively early this morning and decided to follow the tradition and go for a walk around town. […]
Unexpected Fanfare
Because I seem to be incapable of going out without passing through the Domplein, we were lucky enough to come across a performance by the Fanfarekorps Der Genie (Engineers Regiment Fanfare Corps) on Sunday afternoon. We had just begun to approach Achter De Dom when we suddenly heard the sound of drums. There, behind the [...]
Time Travel: Utrecht’s Liberation
It was on this date — 7 May 1945 — that Canadian and British forces arrived to officially liberate Utrecht from Nazi control. Although the main liberation of the country was 5 May, it took time for all cities to be fully liberated. Some transitioned relatively smoothly, while other cities, such as Arnhem, suffered under [...]
Flamingos Are Flocking to Utrecht
My regular readers know I’m always trying to encourage people to visit Utrecht, whether they live in the Netherlands or are just visiting. After all, it’s a gorgeous city with nearly 2000 years of history and a constant stream of cultural events. So it makes sense that Toerisme (Tourism) Utrecht and I should work together [...]
Feeling Free
It’s been a week of important dates here in the Netherlands. First the last Queen’s Day, and now this weekend — May 4-5 — we’ve had Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenkingdag) and Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag). Remembrance Day (May 4) started as a day of remembrance for those killed during World War II, although now it’s generally a [...]
Queen’s Day(s) Later
Although there was a great deal of celebrating this week for the last Queen’s Day, my silence hasn’t been the result of the world’s largest hangover. With a break in work for a few days, I decided to take a bit of an impromptu vacation, even it there was no travel. Since I write for [...]
Saudi Arabia: Janadriyah Cultural Festival 2013
J anadriyah is the name of the yearly festival held in Saudi Arabia's capital city of Riyadh celebrating Saudi Arabia's heritage and culture. This year the festival attracted a record high six million visitors during the month of April...Show More Summary
