Telling the Truth

connecting the dots of my life

Category: Marriage

January 25, 2017

Amsterdam Street Scenes 2 | Viking Cruise

p1140361

Though I’m not usually an escapist, I feel like escaping to Amsterdam today. D and I were there last July at the front end of a river cruise. We’d just arrived after an overnight flight from Philadelphia. The goal was simple: Stay awake! This means our guide mercilessly kept us moving and on our feet during the afternoon.

So here we are. Note the brilliant blue sky. A perfect backdrop for roof decorations and public art. Unfortunately, I can’t comment on their architectural significance. I’m grateful D took pictures, since I was half asleep on my feet.

The first two show spires on St. Nicholas Basilica;
the third, a gargoyle.

p1140351

 

p1140340

 

p1140320

Next we have two business structures
designed for life along the canal before elevators or motorized lifts.

Just below, note the structure protruding beneath
the top roof line. The holes in the base are to accommodate pulleys.p1140330

Here’s a row of merchant shops on the canal, each with a pulley at the top.
Suppose you want to move a large container
or piece of machinery into the building.
No problem. Just pull it up and swing it through a window.p1140334

Does anyone know what the hooks below are for?
I’m guessing they might have something to do with snow.
This seems to be an old house.

p1140319

Flags on the Amsterdam Port Building near the harbor.
Note the walkway around the castle-like tower.
A lookout up and down the river?

p1140357

A Viking crusader below?
He’s scarcely visible within all those symbols of power.
Definitely designed to impress and commemorate.
Note the intricate brickwork and crowns.

p1140353

Finally, a down-on-the-street scene
on a welcome pedestrian walkway with shops and restaurants.
No bike lanes or speeding bikers.
Actually, it leads into the red light district.

p1140332

Here’s the building at the end of the pedestrian walkway above.

p1140336

p1140335

McDonald’s burgers on gluten-free bread!

p1140329

And last but not least, a beautiful outdoor café across the canal.

p1140348

We got back to the cruise ship late, just in time for dinner and about an hour before we sailed from Amsterdam.

More photos later….

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 24 January 2017
Photo credit: DAFraser, July 2016 in Amsterdam

6 Comments
January 13, 2017

Amsterdam – Street Scenes | Viking Cruise

p1140309

Busy! Sensory overload! Unplanned chaos. Tourist magnet. Not for all the right reasons, I’m sorry to say. This post is just a taste of what kept us awake the afternoon we arrived in Amsterdam. Our guide kept us moving, and we did our best to keep up with him.

The top photo captures the reality of modernity (big bold red public buses), and of time-honored tradition (bikes — the subject of my last Amsterdam post). Pedestrians beware!

Here’s what we saw when we left the cruise ship with our trusty guide.
What do you notice?

p1140293

I love the guys fishing on the pier
right in the middle of it all.

Our first landmark was a huge, modern transportation center.
I’m glad I didn’t have to figure out which way to go.
Note traffic lanes for various types of transportation
including pedestrians.

p1140311

Here we’re in the belly of the building.
Note directional signs.
Sorry you can’t hear the sound effects. Think noise. Lots of it.

p1140316

When we came out the other side,
we began our tour near the red light district.
Not a comforting sight.
Note the cathedral tower on the right side of the photo.
We’re looking at the back side of the district.

p1140317

The next three photos give a better perspective —
without so many people in the way.
Notice the water level that’s steadily rising,
sagging architecture and uneven walls on many old buildings,
boats ready for nighttime cruises by windows
that showcase women for commercial sex,
and the cathedral tower in the background.

p1140341

p1140342

p1140344

Here’s one last look at one of the buildings on the canal.
It’s visible in the first photo of the red light district.
You can see why it caught my eye.

p1140338
Wednesday of this week, January 11, was
*International Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness
and honor those who offer alternatives to
women, children and men exploited for commercial sex.
I couldn’t help thinking about these photos.

Here we are, moving on behind our trusty guide.
Do you like my backpack?
Don’t miss the clutter of bikes just to our right
and the bikers ahead of us on the sidewalk.
Being a pedestrian isn’t for sissies!

p1140349

We’re headed to an area that draws hoards of tourists and shoppers.
Here’s a taste what’s coming in the next exciting installment.

p1140324

To be continued….

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 12 January 2017
Photo credit: DAFraser, Amsterdam, July 2016

*To find out more about human trafficking, click here.

4 Comments
January 5, 2017

Amsterdam – Bikes | Viking Cruise

p1140360

Last summer D and I, together with our daughter and son-in-law, enjoyed a two-week cruise down the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. From Amsterdam to Budapest. We came back loaded with photos. I’ll be sharing some from time to time, partly as a cheery way to get through the winter! But also because it was a great adventure. Today’s photos focus on bikes.

We arrived in Amsterdam on an overnight flight from Philadelphia and were taken by bus to the cruise ship.

p1140306

After a light breakfast/lunch buffet, a friendly, energetic guide kept us awake by trotting us around the city. Watch out for the bikes (and for cars and buses, of course)! No crossing the street unless the light is green.

Bikes flew by (too fast to photo) and were parked everywhere. Note locks and chains.

p1140355

p1140358

p1140307
Our guide explained that old bikes are preferable to new bikes. They’re not as likely to be ripped off piece by piece, and are easier to replace. In addition, owners don’t always remember where they left their bikes. Hence a variety of sometimes eccentric add-ons or colors to give your wheels higher visibility.

As you can see, bikers can park virtually anywhere. However, the most impressive place to park is at the huge bike garage near the transportation hub of the city. If you can just remember where you left your bike. 

p1140323
p1140325
p1140322

To be continued from time to time. Stay tuned!

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 4 January 2017
Photo credit: DAFraser, July 2016 in Amsterdam

4 Comments
November 11, 2016

My Mini-Adventure with D

p1180565

Glen Eyrie Castle, where D and I stayed – at the heart of the conference grounds

Imagine being dropped into gorgeous Colorado Springs autumn weather, on the grounds of Glen Eyrie Conference Center with about 90 other people, all of whom know your name but not your face. That’s where I was from Thursday through Sunday—with David (aka D), my husband of over 51 years.

The occasion? Read the rest of this entry »

Leave a comment
August 11, 2016

Dear Friends,

Home away from for two magical weeks!

Our home away from home for two magical weeks! Docked in Amsterdam.

You’ve been on my mind for the last several weeks. Well, sort of! Here’s a quick update to let you know what’s been happening. Read the rest of this entry »

9 Comments
April 24, 2016

My Misadventure | From Plank to Plank

may_the_road_rise_up_to_meet_you_irish_verse_mouse_pad-r541fe0c7b3cd43dab9acd814f4ab2f72_x7ef8_1024

Dear Friends,
This is NOT a goodbye post, despite the lovely blessing above. Do you know what a condyle fracture of the jaw is? Neither did I until last Thursday when I was on my way to get a haircut. It wasn’t my heart, dizziness or anything like that. Read the rest of this entry »

24 Comments
April 2, 2016

Early Spring at Longwood | Photos 1

P1120817

Rosebud popping out and a vacant bird nest for rent near Longwood’s large lake

Yesterday was gorgeous! Cloudy, breezy, mild. Perfect for visiting Longwood Gardens. Here are some favorites taken, as always, by D. All I did was Read the rest of this entry »

2 Comments
March 31, 2016

Going to Seminary | Perfectionism

perfectionism quote

Perfectionism is cowardly, not brave.

  • It avoids looking at mistakes
  • Seeks growth without painful truth
  • Wants progress without failures
  • Breeds insanity, not humanity
  • Drains energy without mercy
  • Gets stuck working harder
  • Is strategic, not forthcoming
  • Would rather hide than be wrong
  • Fears failure and success
  • Kills joy and compassion

Read the rest of this entry »

7 Comments
March 29, 2016

Going to Seminary | Part 17

1976 Jan Elouise with Scott and Sherry in park walk

On a happy outing with D and our children, somewhere on the West Coast, 1976

It’s now 1975-76. I’m in the last year of my master’s program at Fuller Seminary. D and I were happily married when we arrived at seminary. In fact, my happiest memories up to then are about my relationship with D. A little conflict is to be expected, right? Read the rest of this entry »

8 Comments
March 18, 2016

Going to Seminary | Part 16

California Style Clothes in Savannah 1974/5

California clothes in Savannah, GA, summer 1974-75. Photo taken by my father.

Just reading Part 15 made me wince. I’m in a no-win cycle. From my point of view in 1974-75, I had three choices as D’s wife: Read the rest of this entry »

8 Comments