750 Years

We were lucky enough to be in Rhenen for its 750 year celebration. Needless to say that a lot has happened in this small city over the centuries and some of it can be found in the local museum. During this anniversary celebration, the museum, churches and other places of interest are available for public tours. There was also a parade, boat tour, displays and special dinner in front of the stadhuis (otherwise known as the town hall) with entertainment.

Anneke’s sister arranged in advance for us to get tickets to the dinner. So we first toured the windmill still occupied by a family with three children. Then we looked thru the exhibitions in the streets and saw some of the floats and other entries in the parade that we missed while on the boat tour, the museum and large church. As in times long past, the events centered on the courtyard of the church.

The dinner with wine was the highlight of the event and a good time was had by all. The entertainment was a troubadour group in period dress and appeared to be a big hit.

The house in Rhenen

As we near the end of our Dutch adventure, we wanted to share some pictures of where we have spent most of our time. I think it is safe to say that it is the pride and joy of the owners-Anneke’s sister Maaike and her husband Bert. They have completely redesigned the interior and made the most of the great views of the Rhine River at the rear of the house.

It was a great place for a visit from a couple of Anneke’s friends that she has known most of her life-Heleen and Margreeth.

I have spent many an hour watching the pleasure and commercial traffic pass by my very comfortable viewing stand.

Churches of Utrecht

A few pictures of churches.

Utrecht

The City of Utrecht is one of the oldest in the Netherlands, with a long history of commerce, education intuitions and religion. We visited this city on a day trip by train and were lucky enough to find ourselves there when a number of museums were open along with many of the cathedrals and churches. Some of these had their start over a thousand years ago. It is a city of narrow streets and canals with old and new shops everywhere. You might get the impression that some of the residents get the idea that it is a Venice of the north.

We enjoyed coffee in a canal side café and then strolled along the old streets and canals of “Centrum”. We also visited a museum devoted to automated music instruments. Among these were varieties of the street organ that remain in use to this day in The Netherlands. All of the displays were in working order and many were demonstrated during the tour. Among these was a church bell chime that was built on the 1400’s, a clock given to Napoleon commemorating his coronation and many clocks and auto playing pianos.

While touring the Dom Church, we found an exhibition of art by Anneke’s sister’s neighbor, Mr. Haas, containing portraits of homeless people. It is indeed a small world.

Public transportation in this compact country is excellent and you can literally get anywhere by train and bus. And of course, bicycles are a way of life in this country with bike paths like nothing you have ever seen in the USA.