Netherlands: Low down and Dirty

Netherlands are named so because they reside at such a low altitude; much of the land having been reclaimed from the sea and below sea level, protected by dykes (no, not those kind). The citizens speak Dutch, and their National soccer team is always referred to as Holland. It’s a confusing place. But not nearly as confusing as some of their artwork.

This was to be a quickie; in and out. When I landed in Rotterdam, I had a few places I wanted to go in mind, and had the map saved in my phone, so I just took to wandering. Going south from the main train station (easily accessed by high speed train from Brussels) you will wander into a neighborhood named Eendrachtsplein in about 15 minutes. Upon your arrival you will be greeted by a sight like none you have ever dreamt of, unless you are a very weird person.

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Yeah. It’s exactly what you think. Everything just goes down hill from here. The amount of yannic and phalic imagery that pervades this city is really staggering. Aside from the sexual innuendo, I found the city easily navigable, even though there were not many English speakers to be found. Take a peek.

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OKOK, so maaaaybe seeing the gnome just kind of set the mood and all the rest of this wasn’t really that dirty… it just looks that way when you start your day with a giant sex toy goblin.

I made my way East across town to a place named Picknick, that I had chosen ahead of time. It was lovely! The staff spoke English, had WiFi, and some great food. Possibly the tastiest sausage wiener penetrating a piece of bread that I had ever eaten. Truly a lovely spread.

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As with France, I didn’t have much time here. I would have liked to spend much more, maybe find out just how dirty the locals were, but alas, I must away!

Bonus: Mustache Lady

Hermana Bigote
Hermana Bigote

 

Info:

  • Easily accessed from Brussels Midi train station via high speed train. Trip takes just about an hour one way. € 100 round trip.
  • City is easily walkable and enjoyably so.
  • Butt Plug is straight south of the main train station.
  • Wander, enjoy, take pictures, check out the water, etc.

 

A Quickie

I am off again.

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The idea of a Eurotrip this summer actually materialized last year, but my partner dropped out. After the bombings and madness in Istanbul, I really started to worry about friends and wondered what their lives were live; I wanted to go see for myself. Add in that Zsofi is having her first baby, and Eda is getting married, and this is the first year Austria has hosted the MotoGP and I had all the reasons I could want to go back and visit.

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This is how I find myself sitting in a historic room in Frankfurt; jetlagged, tired, and grinning. I don’t know where I will sleep this weekend, but I brought a hammock and optimism, so I believe it will work out. 🙂

On the docket are Germany, Budapest, and Turkey; all of which I have been to before. Along with the old favorites, this trip will mark my first time to Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Portugal!

Roughly a month abroad in all, which is almost a quickie for me. I have been looking for something to help me realign my perspective around my life, and I think this time away from home will be just the thing!

Stay tuned for more stories.

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