Rotterdam - 1 Dec 2006

Kaas (Cheese) at the Markets

Erasmus Bridge (The Swan)

The Netherlands Architectural Institute

Cube Houses - Piet Blom (1978-1984)

3am after 3 hours sleep, and I'm out in the dark cold drizzly London night waiting for the bus to take me to Luton.

Some 5 hours later I arrive early morning Amsterdam to be met by Maria - and we take the Snel (Fast) Train to Rotterdam, 30mins away. At a staggering 21 euros may I add!

Its also depressingly grey and raining at Rotterdam, but exciting nonetheless. Trusty umbrella up and a city walk map in our hands we are off to discover the place. The landscape is typically Dutch, flat and expansive. Grey yet neat buildings greet us in a subdued way, not brass or showy, but well kept and reserved. The old harbour once the hub of an Empire sits quietly remembering its past glories.

Meanwhile the new architecture of the world is here, building dreams and creating a new place. The destruction during WW2 is mostly erased and in its place the new and bold.

Nothing too special to note - but a pleasant place to spend the day wandering its quiets streets.