Tag: Netherlands

Exploring the Best of Rotterdam’s Architecture

Rotterdam deserves several days, but even if you only have one day you can still get a feel for the city and appreciate its regeneration. Here’s how to explore the best of Rotterdam’s architecture in one day.

Earlier this year I attended a travel blogging conference in Rotterdam and squeezed in an extra day which I spent exploring the best of Rotterdam’s architecture.

I hadn’t realised this was the theme for my day until afterwards when I was looking over everything I’d done that day. That everything seemed to be about architecture really sums up Rotterdam.

Rotterdam has struggled with second-city syndrome for years. Not only does it have to compete with Amsterdam (which would be stiff competition in any country), but it also has to compete which much smaller, but very much better known places like Delft. Continue reading “Exploring the Best of Rotterdam’s Architecture”

The Cube Houses of Rotterdam – Quirky Architecture Meets Social Integration

The 38 cube houses of Rotterdam sit at jaunty angles and seem to defy logic. They also played tricks with my memory.

I’d seen the cube houses of Rotterdam before, many years ago, and remembered I’d been quite fascinated by them. So when I found myself in Rotterdam for a travel blogging conference earlier this year, I couldn’t resist going back to see them. Continue reading “The Cube Houses of Rotterdam – Quirky Architecture Meets Social Integration”

13 Things to Eat in The Netherlands

This is the post where I disclose my liking for weird foods like chips with peanut sauce and mayo. And oily balls. Yes, really.

What would be the word for someone who is a bit obsessed with the Netherlands and has an affinity with all things Dutch? If my country of obsession was France I’d be a Francophile; England and I’d be an Anglophile. But Netherlandsophile just doesn’t have the same ring to it. Continue reading “13 Things to Eat in The Netherlands”

Mud Walking

I fancy getting thigh-deep in mud.

I’ve just returned from the Netherlands where I spent almost a week staying with a friend in Amsterdam. This has got me thinking again about wadlopen or mud walking. There is a line of islands along the northern coastlines of the Netherlands and Germany. When the tide is low it is possible to walk with a guide along the mud flats and even from one island to the next. These are challenging walks that can take up to 4 hours to complete and involve wading through cold sandy mud. Sometimes thigh deep. On a Dutch person. Dutch people are tall. I’m not tall.

Continue reading “Mud Walking”