Friday, May 31, 2013

I Spy Friday featuring Rotterdam


And once again, it's Friday.  The weeks are just flying by, aren't they?
It will be June tomorrow.  (How did that happen and where the heck is Spring?)

And June means that it has been one year since I've seen my daughter Jessica which really stinks. It's the longest we've ever spent apart.  And this has put me into a bit of a funk, if I'm honest.  I miss that child of mine more than I can ever express. Hopefully, we will get her over here for a visit SOON!

We've also given notice to the landlord and it's official.  We are on the hunt for a new home in London.  We've enjoyed living so central for the past year, but are looking
forward to finding someplace with a little more rural, village feel.
It's very exciting but also a bit of a challenge.
I'll be glad when we are on the other side of the move.
I'll keep you posted as we proceed.

Gee, aren't you glad you stopped by?
You pop in and I greet you at the door in tears and ratty pajamas.
(You should have been here yesterday for the full on hissy fit.)

Let's just move on, shall we?



RotterdamFor today's I Spy Friday, I'm going to share some more photos from Rotterdam.  

It's not usually the first place people visit when going to HollandAmsterdam and The Hague are usually at the top of the list.  But, Rotterdam shouldn't be missed.  

I was completely charmed by the city.  I loved that it wasn't completely overrun by tourists.  It's a city where people are living and working and going to school.  

I want to go back with Matthew and rent an apartment for a few days.  I'll never ride a bike in London.  Even Amsterdam, with all of its bike lanes, is a bit scarey for me.  But, I think Rotterdam is someplace where I could try riding a bike again.  It's been years, but I'd love to try it.  Rotterdam would be the perfect place.

Here are two of the places we visited on our post conference blog trip hosted by Rotterdam Marketing.   We started with a Tuk Tuk ride.  To be honest, it sounded much more fun than it actually was. 

Tuk Tuk Rotterdam 
The weather was not cooperating and we crowded in six people per TukTuk.  One of the drivers got completely lost.  And I swear our driver got ours up on two wheels at one point.  I was holding on for dear life.  But, I guess that's part of the experience, isn't it?.  I'm sure they are much more fun when the sun is shining. 

Our first stop was the Blijdorp Zoo.  We had a quick tour of a few highlights and a bit of behind the scenes stuff.  It's a great zoo and I'd love to go back on a sunny day to stroll through to see what we missed.  

Polar Bear Biljdorp Zoo Rotterdam

Totem Pole Biljdorp Zoo Rotterdam

Tropical Enclosure Biljdorp Zoo Rotterdam

The Oceanium was a definite highlight and a favorite photo spot for the bloggers.
A little peak behind the scenes also added to the experience. 

Oceanium Lab Biljdorp Zoo Rotterdam

Oceanium Tunnel Biljdorp Zoo Rotterdam

Shark Oceanium Biljdorp Zoo Rotterdam

Our next stop was the SS Rotterdam which was like going back in time. 
The ship was put into service in the 50's by the Holland America Line and once hosted iconic stars such as Frank Sinatra and the Dutch Royalty.  
It is now a hotel with restaurants and bars.

We had a great tour with Frank who spent 7 years in his 20's working on the ship and now volunteers to show people around the grand vessel.  It really got me excited about our upcoming cruise.


Gangway SS Rotterdam

Bartender SS Rotterdam

January 1959 SS Rotterdam


Ship Model SS Rotterdam

Couches SS Rotterdam

SS Rotterdam

Map Tools SS Rotterdam

Menu Plate SS Rotterdam

Bridge SS Rotterdam

50's Radio SS Rotterdam

I think "I Spy" some blue skies appearing outside which is quite wonderful.
Matt's parents are coming to visit this weekend to celebrate their 50th Anniversary!
And we are having dinner with some friends tonight.
I can feel my melancholy lifting as we speak.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!



9 comments:

  1. Your pictures are truly fantastic! What camera do you use? You do such a good job. I am so sorry about your daughter, I can't imagine :( I hope you guys can see each other soon! And, where are you looking in London? We loved Wimbledon, it had a more rural feel (especially in the Village) but was so easy to get in and out of London. Sigh. I miss it so much this time of year!

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  2. It was the Kinderdijk windmills that brought us to Rotterdam, but we alo liked the understated city. Beautiful post, and hang in there, your daughter will have to come see your new digs. Thank goodness for skype!

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  3. I've never been the Netherlands, but it is high on my list of priorities. My mother was born there and has returned several times. Hopefully, in the near future, I can check out Amsterdam and Rotterdam with her. Thanks for sharing your pics. Definitely lots to see!

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  4. Bailie @ The Hemborg WifeJune 3, 2013 at 3:53 AM

    I love that old ship, I read loads of old detective stories and so many times they are on ships like that!

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  5. Irene @ Away from TenerifeJune 7, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    Hi Selena!

    I just found your blog via your guestpost at We Took the Road Less Traveled and I'm happy I did because it is really interesting!

    I really enjoyed reading your posts about Rotterdam. It is one of my favourite places in the Netherlands and it's always nice to pick up new tips and places to go. I'm glad you like it as well and are planning to go back :)



    Have a nice weekend!
    Irene

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  6. Hi, Irene
    Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Rotterdam was such a pleasant surprise. It's lovely. I'm going to check out your blog. I've been debating the whole Blogger vs. Wordpress thing, too. Will be interested to read some more. So nice to "meet" you!! xoxo
    Selena

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  7. They've done a great job of preserving that classic 50's feel. I wanted to dress up in a vintage dress and dance the night away in one of the lounges.

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  8. That will be so special to visit with your mom. I really love Holland. The more I see the more I love it. The Haque is next on the list. 

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  9. Liene, I didn't make it to the windmills this time, but I heard it's beautiful. I also missed out on the cubic houses. Next time for sure.

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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!