Monday, January 31, 2011

nijmegen, the netherlands

Well, it has been almost a month since we moved to the town of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, so I thought I would take a moment to introduce you.  First off...a little history.

Nijmegen is the oldest city in The Netherlands, although you wouldn't know by looking at it.  Unfortunately it was the victim of a horrific bombing on February 22, 1944 during WWII.  And the worst part is that it was bombed by the United States, who thought they were bombing a German town.

The Netherlands is almost completely at or below sea level, which is why their symbolic windmills are so prevalent.  The windmills were designed to pump water out of the lowlands.  Supposedly The Netherlands is also known for their peanut butter...but I have yet to figure out why.  I'll get back to you on that one.

Alright...onto the fun stuff.  Here are some photos we have taken since we arrived, followed up with a quick video of the wonderful River Waal that runs through Nijmegen (with a sneak peek at Mr. Dirksen Dabbles!).

Our flat is the two windows surrounded by orange tiles

Outside a building in our neighborhood - Botten Daal

Outdoor chairs at the cafe we frequent

A car I wouldn't mind owning

A good example of Netherlands architecture...and beer - Amstel.

Just some tile work

Another cafe near our flat

Grote Markt - City center of Nijmegen

This mural cracks me up...it's of people growing potatoes, making frites (french fries), and handing them out, but they are from medieval times, which makes it that much more awesome.

Statue

Modern Architecture, to replace the ruined old

Oh, and did I mention marijuana is legal here?  This is a coffee shop (which sells pot, not coffee).  To get a coffee, go to a cafe.

Buildings that line the river Waal

Nijmegen Train Station

Fantastic art


Impressive bridge

The Waal
 

Related Articles
Netherlands Workspace - A peek at where I get some painting done
Moving On - What am I doing in Europe anyway?  Get caught up here.
Louvain, Louvain - A video of the Belgian neighborhood I lived in 

5 comments:

  1. cuuuuuute!! I wish I could visit you, it looks so amazing! The US just doesn't manage to have as much charm, even in the cutest New England towns.

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  2. Such a beautiful sky and the architecture is wonderful. Who wouldn't love a place w/ such a long tradition of making french fries?!

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  3. How picturesque and fun!
    What a wonderful adventure -- oops, didn't realize there was a Mr. Dabbles, my bad, disregard previous comment about meeting international men o' mystery ;)
    Looking forward to the art post tomorrow, Alcira

    nerochronicles.com

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  4. It looks lovely. I miss Europe so much some days. But walking around Downtown P.Town the other night was fun too! Parts of it does remind me of walking along the Thames in London.

    Loving your artwork, I meant to tell you I blogged about it, I was a little slow. :)

    Have a lovely day, T. :)

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts!