Rotterdam

So now I know why the Big Chemical Company in my adopted hometown likes its European headquarters city so much.



Unlike Amsterdam, which led the way as the main port of entry prior to industrial times, Rotterdam took the lead in mechanization - and paid dearly for it during World War II.

Despite its proximity to Den Haag (The Hague), Rotterdam's historical district seemed never to recover, even though building of industrial warehouses seems to have thrived.

The small central district, tiny and decrepit, seems now to be undergoing additional "enhancement" in the form of demolition.



Amsterdam, passed over in the mechanization race, also was spared in the bombings, perhaps because it offered wares of another kind.

Both have reaped what they've sown, with Amsterdam being the tourist destination and Rotterdam the factory and industry capital of the Netherlands. Never thought I'd say it, but give me Amsterdam - or tell me what I missed in Rotterdam!




Added bonus: UNESCO Center for Water Education. Don't think the portable urinal on the street in front of it is the type of education they have in mind.

Luxembourg

Casemates, fortifications, bridges and bulwarks: Luxembourg is as much a study in small niches and hide-a-ways as it is in modern banking and the Grey List.




It is also a city of normality, with a market on Saturday that brings out the ladies dressed for market.




iPhoned

In Flanders Fields

Spent the day in Iepers (Ypres) and, in particular, several hours in the Flanders Fields museum that is housed in a building on the Grote Market.



This church, which also houses the town's information center, shows signs of being badly shelled during the three battles from 1915-1918 that took place in and around this northernmost town in the great trench line that held off the Germans from their goal of taking Paris.




After experiencing this very effective use of multimedia - including LOUD explosions and wall-sized video and multi-image (slide) presentations, it was nice to trade the enclosed, dark spaces for a bit of calm and bright walking along a canal to visit several graves. The pictures below show the final resting place of Brits, Canadians, Maoris and Scots, although as recently as four years ago other bodies have been discovered during building and expansion phases around town.



iPhoned

Bruges swans vs Canada geese

A bit of an altercation today between the swans of Bruges and the visiting Canada geese. Turns out the geese were stuck at one end of the canal, near a feeding trough. Couldn't tell if they were protecting their turf or trying to get past the swan blockade . . .





iPhoned

Butterflies in the parking lot

Went to celebrate my in-laws 45th anniversary. Pulling into the parking lot, one of the children noticed several butterflies.

Their habitat? A nicely kept flower garden the restaurant staff maintains.

Brussels by daylight

On my way to IBC in Amsterdam, via CLT, ATL and BXL.

Once on the ground, I hope to also see Bruges, the Venice of the North, and Ghent on my way into the Netherlands.