Canal cleanup

All sorts of stuff ends up in Amsterdam’s canals, and this is how it gets removed. There is a boat with a purpose built crane that collects rubbish from the depths of the canals and deposits it in a barge alongside. Most of the debri this one had collected was rusted, semi-destroyed bicycles. It’s just picked up a boat that was half-submerged and probably slightly rotten.

Pimp My Bike #10

The true “pimp my bike” posts are about bikes that have been painted and decorated, this one is pristine and just as it came out of the shop.  I saw it on the bridge today, couldn’t help thinking of a certain poster I know who has a penchant for pink.

Dutch Optimism

I found this poll on the Dutch news site, it’s been there a while so no doubt most of the responses were made when all the teams were still in it. But look at the results for the Dutch! Granted they were playing very well in the first round but still, it’s a touching display of national pride!

Wilders to holiday at home?

Following the Fitna furore, Jordan has charged Wilders with “incitement against Islam”.

This doesn’t have any effect in the short term - Jordanian law has no effect in the Netherlands. But there has been a serious discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding which countries might be able to extradite him.

So I’m guessing he’s not planning any holidays in muslim nations this summer.

Save me! Save me!

This great piece of advertising is on Pieter Jacobszdwarsstraat It’s a tiny street not far from the The Dam. It’s too narrow for cars but fine for bicycles so a perfect spot for “Bicycle Repair Man”!

Cat Nap

It was a warm day, and this cat had found the perfect place for a cat nap, in the window of his home/shop, with his head resting on a set of berets.

Goodbye Orange

The city was empty last night, apart from bars where the game was showing. When this shot was taken it was still nil all. As I walked further through the city towards home there was first a big “oooohhhhh” as Russia scored. And then shouts, hoots, and bells ringing when the Netherlands scored. By the time I got home Russia had scored a goal in extra time, and followed it with another one. The Dutch team is now out of the European Championship, and I’m sorry for that - they’re a great team and the Dutch manage to be loyal supporters without taking it too seriously. A fine balance.

However it does mean that my neighbourhood will be quieter without the big crowds watching the games and cheering (there were about 200 people at the cafe by the Noorderkerk last night).

But I’m left with a problem - who to cheer for now?

Going Orange

There’s orange everywhere at the moment as businesses vie to show their support of the Dutch football team. This display is at Schiphol on the land-side, yes they really do have orange flying saucers as part of the compaign.The Dutch team is doing well, surprisingly well.

And the better the Dutch teams do the more orange the streets get, I’m curious to see what will happen if they win on Saturday night!

Apply now!

Great Advertising! Cheeky, and perfect for the target audience. It’s the H&M in Maastricht centre in case anyone’s tempted to apply. I was down there for a couple of days.

I hope no-one was inside it

Spotted this portable toilet that has tipped into a canal. I hate to think of the mess inside.