Netherlands-I

Just in case you were wondering where the introduction film was.

1972 Daf 55 M

Water and road levels are carefully balanced.

Great massive former bank building. Would do fine in a Kafka movie.

I worried a bit, because of all the unregistered museums I visited. God knows what happens there.

in Laren.

When I was young the only thing I had in my room as personal entertainment was a radio. There were only a few stations, so I listened to almost all programmes. One programme was called Sesjun . It was a jazz programme, broadcast live from Nick Vollebregts Jazz Café in Laren. Until yesterday I had never been to Laren or seen this place. I took this picture out of sentimental reasons. The man in front of the cafe isn't mister Vollebregt, because he died in 1977.

The crane fell down during the recent storm. Two people were injured.

The crane fell down during the recent storm. Two people were injured.

Railway Bridge at Schalkwijk

Railway bridge at Schalkwijk

Heineken and the river Lek at Honswijk

The ferry at Culemborg

I didn't.

When they made the lettering, they didn't imagine that mr. Rudolf Diesel's invention would take over.

A peilschaal automatically records water heights, wind direction and wind force. The prefix "Rijks" indicates that the central government payed for it. It is probably not in use anymore.

The defence of the Netherlands was based on a couple of forts and flooding the country inbetween. When the Germans invaded in 1940 it failed because the Germans had airplanes. Info about this fort: www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/index.asp?id=118&fortid=45 Some more info in Dutch: www.fort-everdingen.nl/index2.htm For pictures, click on "Foto's en plattegronden" on the left. For information about the Dutch defence system (in English): www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl/index.asp?id=19&lang=en

This weir can be closed or opened, depending on the water level. When open, ships can pass. When closed, the weir functions as a small water power station.