Going to the market here the Weesp is a nice experience. Lot's of goodies, really nice vegetables with a lower price, different smells (can't say I like the fishy ones) and when you're lucky you get a bit of blue sky.
Of course that being in Netherlands blue sky is just something that happens between two showers.. and when you're caught off guard anything will do the trick to keep your head out of the rain.
Today, and at last, we went and have a look into the Dutch seaside. No all of it, obviously, but the beach at Zandvoort.
The weather was nice enough. Some clouds, even some threat of showers, with the thermometer showing 2 as it's favorite number.
So we took off
When we arrived to the seaside there was a breeze that was probably making the wind child being felt. In the water some surfers and some kiters enjoyed the conditions that, to me, didn't look like much - wind was onshore at about 15 knots and the waves looked all broken - mostly foam floating everywhere. Anyway: being inside is always better than being outside looking at those inside enjoying themselves. Maybe next time I'll bring my gear and try to navigate the north sea...
I enjoyed the public art offerings available at Zandvoort, I even made a new friend. I call him Mr. Shorty.
|
|
The sand sculptures were also nice. I wonder what do they use to keep the its cohesion for so long..
|
|
The spot looked like a really nice place, although I would bet than in Summer lots of Dutch think the same, crowding the roads, bars, restaurants and beach. Today at least it was nice to go for a walk there, feel the cold wind and the sun fighting for see which one was felt the most. I can easily imagine myself setting my sail from that beach if the wind is a bit stronger on more sideshore. The waves weren't bit (0.5m to 1m high I would guess) but they were enough to make it trickier to get out while fighting to go upwind.
As usually when there are kites flying there are kites falling. The white and red kite rider lost control and the onshore wind pushed the kite flying upside down until it was over the road. I could not see the kiter by then but with a lurch the kite returned to it's normal position, gain power and come down with increasing speed. That might have done some harm to a bystander and I do hope the kiter is fine and will learn to use the chicken loop soon.
We on the other hand just went to one of the beach bars and enjoyed some hot beverages: a hot chocolate and a capucino.
The bar was really comfortable without being too cozy. A fire helped to provide a nice and relaxing atmosphere. A nice place where to go and enjoy a afternoon.
Then it was time to head back and get lunch ready. On the way back I noticed that there was the beginning of a traffic jam on the way to Zandvoort. I guess Dutch people are just like Portuguese and enjoy staying in bed on Sundays mornings...
Today the sun decided to show up during a couple of hours. It was a weather that could not be wasted so we took our bicycles for a ride.
Even with the sun shining it was chilly. Not actually cold, just not very warm (around 4°C). Some polar clothes and sailing jackets to cut the wind were more than enough to keep us warm (maybe even too much actually).
Some showers also showed up so the sailing jacked were a good thing to have with us.
The previous time I was here in Muiden I was told that the water would be pumped out into the sea during winter time, so I wasn't expecting to see so much water there. It it keeps like this I'm going to have really close to home a wonderful flat water playground for my freestyle practice.
One of the things that I am loving in Netherlands is the close relation the people have with water. I understand that its a natural requirement to survive here but the dutch show a real passion for the sea and naval stuff. I can relate to that.
Look at that barque. She looks wonderful. I took some more photos of her (here and here, the latter without effects).
I can imagine this with the full rig set, sailing out into the Ijmeer, Markermeer, Ijsselmeer and so on. What a nice trip it would be. By the look of the barque you can say that she has a owner that really cares for her and keeps her fit.
This talking about trip remind me of the Stad Amsterdam, a tall ship that provides charter services, meaning that one can go on board and participate on a tall ship life during a voyage. That is definitely something I will have to try some day.
That's it. It's done.
|
|
 |
|
I almost have no pictures from the trip. I was focused on driving and most of the trip was under rather bad light (cloudy night). Sun rise was when approaching Paris from Bordeaux direction. Paris was a nightmare (four hours to do some 20 kilometers), mostly because french people can't drive but also can't design roads (I'll write more about this on a latter post).
It was nevertheless a nice trip. Good music and some audio books made time fly. The car, despite being 11 years old, almost 250 thousand kilometers and carrying a ton of stuff behaved wonderfully. There is something so simple about just driving, going with the flow of traffic, letting your thoughts wonder. It's a nice experience. Hopefully I'll drive around a bit more (while we're still free to do so).
Even Paris was interesting, despite the exasperation that it causes while driving. I could see the Eiffel tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral and some other tall landmarks. It's wasn't a complete lost of time.
Uahu! This house in Weesp is from 1951 and it looks more cozy and comfortable than lots of the new houses being built in Portugal (where it seams size is more important than comfort).
I would really like to see the inside of this houses. The glass windows are a invitation to have a look but I feel that that would not be well received (no peeking inside peoples houses).
Anyway, after half a day rest I must get back to working on the assignments. When that is done, and only then, will I have time to go and explore this place. It seams that it's famous for it's chocolate and beer. I love both.
At last I have a bag for my windsurf board. Also today the winter tires should be mounted on my car. These were two of the things that are out of my own personal control that made me delay my departure.
As it is I shall soon start the biggest car drive I have ever done. More than two thousands kilometers to get to my new home. What an adventure.
There are still some tasks to be done before starting the ignition such as:
The bag is a simple gray bag, Mytic Boarding (warning: Flash sites), 5 cm wider that what was needed for my board but it was impossible to get the correct dimensions in short notice.
For tires I went with the Pirelli Winter Snow Control II. At 75% of the price of the Michellin Alpine tires it was an obvious choice.
My favorite liquor, Licor Beirão (careful, flash site), just started a marketing campaign using the current chaotic economical situation as theme.
Wondering why the I.M.F. visits Portugal so often?
Dear Angela/Nicolas, Portugal is giving its best. Happy Holidays!
Marvelous "cartoon like" look on both Merkel and Sarkozy.
Hurrey for Portugal!
How creation evolves: Edgar Allan Poe wrote a short story in 1842, "The Masque of the Red Death", then in 1964 Roger Cormen directs a movie based on the story. A gothic band, Theater of Tragedy, releases in 1996 the album Velvet Darkness They fear (great cover by the way) with the song "And When He Falleth", that you can hear in the video bellow, with a set of dialogs between Prince Prospero and Franscesca taken from the movie.
This way the work of E.A. Poe not only live in literature but in other form of art, through out the times.
Thus does society evolve, building and rebuilding.
I know... nothing related to windsurf but it's has been really a poor month of wind so one does what one can to keep busy and entertained.
Posts
All Comments
