Mixed
Met Station at Bilt
Knotted Tree
Dogaloo
Dom
The Dom (Cathedral) is visible from almost everywhere in Utrecht. I went into its history in some detail here following my first visit.
This is another view of the gap between the clock tower (out of right of picture) and what remains of the nave (out of left of picture). Obliterated, totally.
All in a Day's Paving
I passed this paver on my way to town and again on my way back at the end of the working day. So what you see between the two pictures is a day's worth of paving.
Graduation
There are very strict rules on the flying of the national flag in the Netherlands. - mainly royal birthdays and other national occasions. One exception is the end of the school year when graduation (successful passing of the exams?) is celebrated by the simultaneous "flying" of the national flag and the now defunct schoolbag, with contents.
Bikes
I commented on the role of the bicycle in Utrecht following my previous visit. This time round I was persuaded to rent a bike and join the majority. It was a bit scary at first: being, and staying, on the "wrong" side of the road; avoiding silent swishing speeding natives on two wheels; guessing which traffic lights to obey or ignore; stardeck warpspeed. Anyway, I eventually got the hang of it and it is really the only way to get around. Secure locking/parking was also an acquired skill.
These are the guys I rented from @ �35 for 5 days; 6 speed; no crossbar (ladies' bike!); dynamo llighting at front, batteries at back (however, Utrecht cyclists don't seem to set much store by lights!).
Not sure if this tandem was for hire or just display. Thought I'd show you anyway.
Some people think the Dutch are like the Germans ie don't cross the road if the lights are red even if nothing is coming. Wrong. Utrechters, at least, are people after my own heart. Jaywalkers to a person (scuse the PC) even when on two wheels. They also park where they like, regardless.
Puzzle
This is the Dutch Institute for Art Education in Utrecht. It manages the richest collection of archives, prints, maps, photographs, films and publications on the history of the city and province of Utrecht. The Utrecht Archive is also the national centre for church archives and the Dutch Railways. Click to see a resolution of the slide puzzle title over the door.
Windmill
This magnificent windmill is just across the road from O'Leary's pub. In its day it could be rotated to face into the wind. It is now a butcher's.
Lock
I understand canals and locks. But this had me foxed. Apart from the interesting manual (Victorian?) wheel for opening and closing, water levels on both sides of the lock (as opposed to either gate) was the same level. That to me would be redundancy in the traditional (non IT) sense of the word. However, it may be part of a more sophisticated system in a below-sea-level country which uses flooding as an instrument of defence.
Sex in the City
This appropriately titled cinema is hosting both "Sex and the City 2", and "The Happy Housewife". The latter title is pure irony. Go see it.
Big Mac
Aren't they bloody everywhere. Even on the Oudegracht.
The new on the old and the real old.
Bollywood
This is just a restaurant posing as Ozymandias.
Camouflage
Looked like a holdup from the other side of the canal.
Going round the front showed it was just a fashion shop, but one as old as the Rijnauwen Fort.
Stalest Bikkies in Town
This is where we parked the canoe and stopped for a coffee. Sort of a "tea like mother makes it" but dating from 1711. Pretty stewed I guess.
Utrechters
Pretty wild bunch, these Utrechters. Not to be confronted on a dark night.
More Pissin Chips
Bloody Belgian chips. How disappointing.
Shops
Some of the shops are in very tasteful settings (below) but this reasonable structure on the corner has been added to by an atrocious art decco structure which reminds me of the former, and controversial, Archer's garage in Dublin.
T-Shirts
Most of the T-shirts are standard fare. The one below, however, bespokes a new skill on the block. Imagine the Mannekin Pis on a carousel and you're half way there.
Plaza Bridge
This bridge is actually supporting an extensive Plaza.
Bin Barge
How else collect the rubbish from the lower quays?
Carousel
I tried to Google this to find out who it was. However, it seems to be just a statue of a child on a carousel, and a very fine one at that. Artist is Pieter d'Hont. [Thanks Susan]
Busker
I'm all in favour of high class busking and the cello is one of my favourite instruments.
Mijn straat
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