RICK'S BIG TRIP page 8
And since you’ve been so patiently following the details of my European experience, here are some more interesting shots for you of various kinds. Here is an early morning shot of the woods in Zuilen. (It’s supposed to be blurry like that – that makes it impressionistic!)
And look at all that green! This is the moat (or is that mote?) that encircles Slot Zuylen (that’s Castle Zuilen, with the old spelling).
And viewed from the castle, here is the main gate. Funny the way the gate seems to cut a hole in the woods to reveal the pastoral scenery beyond.
And what scenery! Why look – there’s a Dutch windmill and a bunch of cow’s…oh it’s so Holland.
I’m just beginning to tell you what it’s like in a land where bicycles have at least as much right and usage as cars. There are many routes available only to bikes – and do the Dutch watch out for the safety of their cyclists? The warning sign here cautions “Falling Branches!”
While I was taking the tourist cruise of the Utrecht canals, our boat was seen as an intruder by this little husky. He ran alongside the boat, barking his fool dog head off, until he slipped and fell right into the water. We cruised along as if nothing had happened, but that poor critter was left paddling for his life. I assume someone helped him out, for there is no way he could’ve climbed up the canal walls himself. A little girl on the boat said, “Mama, ik vind het zielig voor die hond.” (Momma, I think it’s a pitty about that dog)
A common sight all over Holland, cities and countryside alike: drawbridges. Cars not only have to content with bicycles (which often as not have the right of way), but they have to wait for boats as well. Just another bunch of tourists, getting in the way of people who are trying to get home from work.
Now here’s a couple of pictures for my pothead friends I’m not mentioning any names, but you know who you are (and so does everybody else – at least in Idyllwild): this is the sweetest little boat, parked along the side of the Singel (you know, the special canal on the outside of the city wall, it’s called a Singel). It’s all lit up nice with cozy lamps and tables. Inside, you can get about a dozen varieties of hash and marijuana, along with your basic beverages – coffee, soda – and candy bars. What more do you need? Nice folks in there too (except that one psycho gal last night who was forcibly removed) – it’s just the sweetest little spot. It’s where you want to be.
That’s right. See that tapered cigarette on the counter? That’s a Dutch joint. A mixture of tobacco and marijuana, lowlands style. The lighter bears the name of Utrecht’s central-most coffeehouse Andersom (printed upside-down because the name means “other way around”). This joint cost five guilders, that exchanges these days for two dollars – and that’s the pre-rolled price! Eat your stoner hearts out, you American speef monkeys.
Speaking of monkeys, here’s another little detail from the Rijksmusem. This creature bears an uncanny resemblance to the rascal who picked my pockets at the monkey zoo, Apenhuel. If I’m not mistaken, this one was spontaneously painted while in the act of stealing some pieces of fruit. It seems that the “death mask” monkey has been tormenting our species for a long time.
What is this fondness I have for bad taste? And, really, in the scope of human events, who am I to judge? This early 17^th century sculpture offers a glimpse into the mental health/popular entertainment industry of Holland a short 4 centuries ago. As you remember, I enjoyed the monkeys of Apenheul as much as anybody, but I can’t help wondering if the theme parks of old mightn’t have been even more spectacular. Without further adieu, I quote from the plaque at the museum: “This sculpture stood in the garden of the Madhouse, the insane asylum in Amsterdam… Many 17^th century tourists would have seen the statue, since the Madhouse was one of the sights of Amsterdam. For a fee visitors were allowed to look at the inmates through openings in their cell doors…”
That will do for my first instalment of things to see up Netherlands way. Next stop, I’m spending 5 days in Paris. I’ve got a great guidebook from Sanne, which promises to lead a tour of historic sights possibly even exceeding what I’ve come across so far – check back in a week or 2! Your humble Correspondent, Rick
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