Netherlands Favorite Tips by dutch_anna

The old oaktree.

Favorite thing: We have no forests any more. But the trees we still have are beautiful: oak, linden, poplar, willow. And many more.

The painting is by Adriaen van Ostade (1610-1685).

Rain is coming.

Favorite thing: We don't have a perfect climate, with every day a sunny sky and a nice temperature. But I like it the way it is: every day is different, sun, clouds, rain, it all can happen. And in the winter some snow and frost. And storms.Enough to give problems for the traffic: think of all those bicycles on their way to schools and offices. And next morning the rain is gone and you feel a fresh wind on your face.

The painting is by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606-1669)

The country I love.

Favorite thing: When I take my bike I still can see this scenery about 10 minutes from my house. Same clouds, same watercourse. OK, I have to watch out for some cars :-(

River.

Fondest memory: Sitting in the grass, looking at a Dutch river and the clouds above. For me that is real happiness.

This painting is by J.Voerman Sr.
The IJsel.
Do you know, that he was the great-grandfather of our VT member Fotoworks?

And more blue skies.

Fondest memory: River view near Deventer, 1645.
Salomon van Ruijsdael (1600-1670)

And, of course, water and ships.

Fondest memory: Jan van Goyen.(1595-1656).
View of Dordrecht from the Dordtse Kil 1644.

Morning ride.

Fondest memory: We have a long coastline with sandy beaches. Not only great in the summer, but also for a walk on a windy day. Sea and clouds and that special scent of salt. And the noise of the seagulls.
Sit on a terrace on the beach on a sunny day with coffee or beer, close your eyes, turn your head to the sun and enjoy.

The painting is by Anton Mauve( 1838-1888): 'Morning ride on the Beach' 1876.

Skating.

Fondest memory: And in the winter we still like to skate on rivers and canals. The 'Elfstedentocht', the 11-city race, a skating marathon in Friesland draws ten thousands of visitors and skaters. Not every winter, alas, the ice must be strong enough after about a week of hard frost. But whenever you have the possibility to see this event: it is unforgettable.

The painting, c.1608, is by Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634).

Winter.

Fondest memory: Andreas Schelfhout 1787-1870.
Dutch Village with Children on a Frozen Canal.

I remember our wooden skates, tied to our shoes with cotton tapes. Tieing up the wet tape with very cold fingers, ouch!

Summertime.

Fondest memory: Cornelis Kuypers 1864-1932.
Farmyard with Haystack.

A warm summerday. The smell of hay and the buzzing of the bees.