Tell me about the Rijksmuseum, Jeroen: An audio tour by the Dutch Barry White

He’s the Dutch Barry White. I am enamored of this man’s voice. Because he’s so clearly in love with, he’s so passionate about what he’s describing… every brushstroke, the treatment of light and dark, from the lace-collared wealthy in the paintings to the artists in their employ in the 16th century Netherlands.

The man speaking is Jeroen Krabbé, famous Dutch actor, painter and director. And he is in love with the art at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Continue reading “Tell me about the Rijksmuseum, Jeroen: An audio tour by the Dutch Barry White”

September 5, 2012January 24, 2014

Can I Bring Tulip Bulbs from Holland Home to the United States?

There’s two things that grow in Holland that interest most tourists: Tulips and Marijuana. You can find them both in Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt floating on the Singel canal. Continue reading “Can I Bring Tulip Bulbs from Holland Home to the United States?”

August 16, 2012January 24, 2014

Birthdays in Holland: Before Facebook, the Dutch Showed the Love on Real Walls, and Other Notes on the Netherlands

Birthday Love!

I celebrated my birthday three weeks ago. Hooray, 34! Dozens of friends and family members sent me their congratulations, greetings and all around good vibes on my Facebook profile. A friend recently said, “I love Facebook birthdays. You really feel the love.” I very much agree. (That’s the Leo in me talking.)

Not everyone agrees with us, and I see their points, though I myself disagree. Sam Biddle of Gizmodo’s User Guide said, “On Facebook, your birthday is automated and empty because nobody has to devote a single shred of mental energy to remembering or celebrating it.” And JD Rucker at Soshable commented, “We used to get cards. We used to get calls. We used to get visitors. Today, we get wall posts.” Continue reading “Birthdays in Holland: Before Facebook, the Dutch Showed the Love on Real Walls, and Other Notes on the Netherlands”