|
|
|
| Features |
|
A collection of special subjects, either based on personal initiative or on assignments.
|
|
| Green Heart |
 |
| ‘Het Groene Hart’ (litterally: the Green Heart) of Holland is the central area of the urbanised western part of the country. Recreational, but also as the ‘lung’ of this highly industrialised area, the Green Heart serves several vital functions. The intention is to leave the Green Heart untouched, but little by little this noble standpoint is being underminded. The question for the future is whether the Green Heart will stay green now that cities keep expanding, railways approach, and farmers leave their businesses. |
|
| River Vecht |
 |
| The Dutch river Vecht is a fine example of a ‘country river’. Winding its way through open land and lakes, through small towns and past castles, the river is a romantic destination for the Dutch and tourists alike as it also was for the Romans in ancient times. An important part of the river lies halfway between Utrecht and Amsterdam, here the riverbanks are dotted with a huge number of stunning estates built during the Dutch Golden Age. If you need proof of how wealthy the 17th century Dutch merchants used to be then this is the place to be. |
|
|
| River Waal |
 |
| The river Waal is one of the great rivers that flow East-West through the country. It is an elegant, wide transportation route of major importance. The natural beauty lures many people to its banks. The river dyke provides an excellent cycle path, with stunning views, passing through many attractive towns and villages along its way. If there is such a thing as a ‘typical Dutch landscape’, this is where you will find it. |
|
|
| Skating |
 |
| In winter, Holland is at its most picturesque. Holland’s most heroic sporting event, the ‘Elfstedentocht’, is a 200 km skating tour passing thru eleven Frisian towns and villages. When the water freezes the Dutch take to the ice like fish to water. Skating is a great pleasure to all as well as being a deeply rooted tradition |
|
|
| Flowers |
 |
| Flowers! Spring means flowers in the Netherlands, and flowers mean business. Once the flowers start "popping-up", the tourists from all over the world do likewise. Many of these visit the world famous flower Eldorado, the ‘Keukenhof’ in Lisse. Set in multiple shades of green, the Dutch landscape is reminiscent of a hip and colourful design, with all the export bulbs in bloom. The local flower markets flourish. Downtown, the terraces come alive and the Dutch once again start enjoying themselves. |
|
| Tourists in Holland |
 |
| Exploring the Netherlands, as a Dutch day-tripper or a visiting tourist, what can you see and what can you do? Jurjen Drenth has studied the habits of visitors. Beware: the monkey takes pictures! |
|
| White Lebanon |
 |
| One of our best-kept secrets, one that we hate to share: skiing in Lebanon. With a view of the beach, and this only an hour away from the piste. Not many people regard Lebanon as a winter destination, but the Anti-Lebanon Mountains provide excellent skiing in a landscape dotted with cedars and surrounded by a very friendly population. |
|
| Totally Venice |
 |
| One of the most famous decors in the world, Venice, built in a lagoon with over 120 islands and connected by hundreds of bridges. No wonder the city is full of intimacy, in layout and architecture as well as in atmosphere, culminating in the stunning yearly Carnival. Jurjen Drenth looked for, and found, this intimacy, not only on the San Marco, but also in back streets, shops and houses. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
