Wow. I hadn't realized it's been so long since I last wrote. I've just sort of been living life; trying to get a bike, for one (obtained!) and trying to figure life out (what to do next, etc). The bike needs a name (right, AR?). I should take a picture of it today and show you. I was going to get W. to take a pic with me and the bike, but he's a bit busy these days, so there's low opportunity. No matter.
Last weekend we went to Heerenveen to their museum. The city was 'closed' as it was a Sunday and not
their Sunday to be open, so it was pretty desolate. Seemed pretty, though, and would like to go back sometime. Sorry, this'll be a repeat for those who've seen on Facebook. As usual, click to enlarge.
We're not sure what this building was, but it serves as a restaurant now (and possiblly hotel? I don't know what's upstairs). Date on the building is 1640.
Church. Unknown name or faith (though I'm guessing Catholic or Anglican as it had a rectory attached (not shown)).
Walking through town waiting to catch the train.. and bam.. there's a windmill. It used to mill grain (grind into flour). It's out of commission now.
Beautiful flower-covered bridges.
It continues down the street and on other bridges.
Even the pigeons are relaxed. This place cracks me up.
At the museum we learned about Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis (1846-1919). A very interesting man who stood out very much in his time. A Lutheran preacher-turned socialist-turned anarchist, he lost the faith, started fighting for workers rights and then started fighting everything else (he was an anti-militarist and didn't believe in war and even openly discouraged giving kids war toys -guns, etc). He was the very first Dutch socialist elected into Parliament, wrote in various papers, published a book and the museum had his entire library contained; it was so fabulous. Books on psychology, anarchy, literature (even in English!), religious works (Bible, New Testament, etc). It was so extensive. To be that close to books that old... oh boy did I want to get my hands on them. They'd be priceless. (If you're unsure what I'm referencing, I collect old books of a certain nature, pre-1940). He seemed like a really interesting, full-character sort of man. If people agreed with him or not (there was even a copy of a note of insulting terms against him, someone who did NOT like him at all), his funeral brought about an entire town. Hundreds of the working class came out to pay tribute to a man who fought for 8 hour days, breaks, needed rest, etc. He had a good heart.
I got my health insurance card! Go me! So now I can go see a GP, chiropractor and I thought about seeing an accupunturist. My parents are seeing one and can't say enough good about it. The sky's the limit (or that.. whatever my card will cover for the remainder of the year).
Well, W's slowly starting to wake up and I should get moving and start the day. Sorry it's a long post. Hope everyone's having a good week!
2 comments:
When I was in Holland, I was amazed that GP surgeries also offered alternative treatments. I saw a shiatsu expert who really sorted my back out. I could do with seeing one again. Wish the British health system was a bit more holistic. I have to pay privately for acupuncture or chiropractic. Lovely photos, by the way. How are you finding the pace of life, compared to back home?
I'm not sure of the connection between GP's and alternative therapies. As far as I know I have to look for a chiropractor on my own, and an acupuncturist. Or is that how you mean?
I have to pay (so to speak, through my health insurance) for the alternative therapies as well. I had to pay for it out-of-pocket back home.
I love the pace of life. Seems.. slower and calmer, but it's nice. Even though G. was a nice town and fairly low key, this is even calmer. Who thought it was even possible.
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