Thursday 12th April
As we flew into Amsterdam airport, we caught a tantalising glimpse of coloured strips of tulips. Having to wait to see them close to until the next day was disappointing to say the least and then parking anywhere near became a real challenge. But, the rewards...all the colours and textures,... just heavenly, mesmerising, inspiring.
We didn't get long and, I suppose, one tulip field is very much like another. Roll on next year when I hope to be well enough to cycle round at a more leisurely pace.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Takes Your Breath Away...
I just had to take this photo, the colour of the field was so fantastic. What is missing is the scent. As I opened the car door in flooded the heady aroma of all those hyacinths...
Smile Please...
When we went to Rome in December, I happened to be in the right place at the right time when a newly married couple had their wedding photographs taken overlooking The Forum. Here, equally fortuitously, another couple pose just after tying the knot. The photo was taken as we drove past with the window down.
Wonder where they are now...
Wonder where they are now...
Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside...
Yes, these people are enjoying a paddle in the North Sea on 12th April 2007. While the others got their feet wet, I had a nice walk round the shops.
Well, it looks as though I joined in...
Well, it looks as though I joined in...
Not Spanish or Globe Trotting...
Haarlem is yet another example of all the towns in Holland... picturesque beyond words, canals at every corner, huge imposing church in a big square usually opposite a town hall - with bicycles everywhere.
After two days, I began to think I should have a bell attached so that cyclists could look out for me instead of the other way round!
After two days, I began to think I should have a bell attached so that cyclists could look out for me instead of the other way round!
Visit to Delft Pottery
Friday 13th April
A trip to Delft would not be complete without a look round "the only one of two" workshops where Delft pottery is still hand painted. It was very small, with only three people engaged in hand painting at the time. Most of the work is done using 'out-workers'. It is all very beautiful (and pricy), but we couldn't resist buying a tile to remember it by.
Surprisingly, their emblem is a peacock...
A trip to Delft would not be complete without a look round "the only one of two" workshops where Delft pottery is still hand painted. It was very small, with only three people engaged in hand painting at the time. Most of the work is done using 'out-workers'. It is all very beautiful (and pricy), but we couldn't resist buying a tile to remember it by.
Surprisingly, their emblem is a peacock...
Reaching Up To Heaven...
Delft church has an amazingly tall spire: " ...built between 1396 and 1496. The present spire dates from 1875" . It stands in a large square opposite the town hall and is flanked by gift shops and restaurents. Inside is the grand tomb of William of Orange. (I think there were four of them all together) The history of the Netherlands is very much on a parallel to ours and the point where it crosses over is when William of Orange (III) married Mary and became our king. The history was very interesting, but complicated and confusing. Perhaps best just to note that, as usual, it was all down to politics, he being a protestant...
Too much to take in all at once, perhaps, but provided a good excuse for a lovely meal sitting outside next to the canal watching the world go by.
Too much to take in all at once, perhaps, but provided a good excuse for a lovely meal sitting outside next to the canal watching the world go by.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Into, Out Of...
It was Robert's request that we visit the Escher Museum in Den Haag and I'm so glad that we did. Escher was a Dutch Graphic artist who captured everyone's imagination with the staircases that go back on themselves and bending lines that tease the brain. I took photos of perhaps his lesser known prints - there are lots more on my Flickr site.
Which Way Is Up?
This was the finished picture Robert painted for his Art 'A' Level in 2002. Not as detailed as Escher's real work, but still interesting and well composed.
Note Robert's hallmark of incorporating his favourite colour.
Note Robert's hallmark of incorporating his favourite colour.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I Saw A Mouse...
Our trip to Holland would not have been complete without a close up view of a real live windmill. Alas, we didn't visit Leiden, (which has a full size windmill in the centre of the town), until late Friday, so missed seeing inside.
Perhaps next time...
Perhaps next time...
End of our second day in Holland
Watched the sun going down on another glorious Spring day. Sat down by the side of a canal and had a wonderful meal. I had fish with asparagus, mange tout and roast potatoes. Robert, as usual had been adventurous with his choice and ended up with whole crabs (albiet miniature ones) complete with shells. He did his best to crunch though them, but eventually had to admit defeat...
Monday, April 16, 2007
Now You See It...
Robert came home with a new phone last weekend and as I've been thinking of upgrading mine (I'd managed to damage the screen) we went to the O2 shop and upgraded - all for free!!
On the downside, it's loads more complicated than my last one, which is disappointing as I thought Nokia made 'simple to use' phones. But it does have a radio and camera and best of all you can play with the loud speaker and not have to hold it to your ear.
Robert is getting a little tired of my: "How do you do this?" calls...
On the downside, it's loads more complicated than my last one, which is disappointing as I thought Nokia made 'simple to use' phones. But it does have a radio and camera and best of all you can play with the loud speaker and not have to hold it to your ear.
Robert is getting a little tired of my: "How do you do this?" calls...
Now You Don't...
Having tried to be a bit more imaginative with my photography, I have also been attempting to master a few of the tricks of Photoshop, (thanks for the coaching, Robert!) Here are the results...
Vodaphone had a double page spread in the Sunday Telegraph Stella magazine this weekend. I've managed to remove their logo and the pen I propped my phone on its side with. Hope you're impressed!
Vodaphone had a double page spread in the Sunday Telegraph Stella magazine this weekend. I've managed to remove their logo and the pen I propped my phone on its side with. Hope you're impressed!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Read The Notice!
Sunday 8th
Middleton Top Engine House, watching the wheels go round. Not a lot to see and the engine is now run on compressed air. Thought I'd re-create its heyday by taking a photo or two in sepia...(others on Flickr)
Middleton Top Engine House, watching the wheels go round. Not a lot to see and the engine is now run on compressed air. Thought I'd re-create its heyday by taking a photo or two in sepia...(others on Flickr)
Swans at Straw Bridge...
If you have the time on a warm spring day, a walk around Straw's Bridge is a very pleasurable experience...
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Published Again...
Thrilled to see my fourth photo in The Derby Evening Telegraph today.
Nearly didn't get this photograph as it was alternately blowing a gale and hailing. It was so windy Graham had to hang on to my coat for fear of me blowing away on the way down. (ha, ha!)
Think "Winnie The Pooh and The Blustery Day"...
Nearly didn't get this photograph as it was alternately blowing a gale and hailing. It was so windy Graham had to hang on to my coat for fear of me blowing away on the way down. (ha, ha!)
Think "Winnie The Pooh and The Blustery Day"...
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