Johnny's World Travels: Netherlands
The Netherlands , this is Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is often referred to by the name Holland. The people are usually referred to as Dutch.!!
The official language is Dutch, which is spoken by practically all inhabitants. Another official language is Frisian, which is spoken in the northern province of Friesland and has a strong resemblance to Dutch and especially English .
The Netherlands is a densely populated and geographically low-lying country (its name literally means "low countries" or "low lands") and is popularly known for its windmills, clogs (wooden shoes), tulips, bicycles [as can be seen in my 1994 photo], and social tolerances. Its liberal policies receive international attention, such as those concerning drugs,abortion, etc...
A remarkable aspect of the Netherlands is the flatness of the country. About half of its surface area is less than 1 metre (3.3 ft ) above sea level , and large parts of it are actually below sea level. An extensive range of dykes and dunes protects these areas from flooding. Numerous massive pumping stations keep the ground water level in check.
According to the governmental statistics agency (CBS ) 30% of the population consider themselves to be Roman Catholic , 20% Protestant (predominantly Dutch Reformed ) and 8% 'other denominations'. 42% consider themselves unaffiliated. Church attendance however is much lower than these figures may suggest: some 70% of the population 'rarely or never' visit a house of worship (be it a church, mosque, synagogue or temple), and even then it is mostly for occasions like weddings and baptisms.
One of the transportation means, in the streets of Rotterdam, as I recorded it in 1994.
It happened not to be crowded at all, in the streets of Rotterdam, on this particular day, luckily for me!!!
Rotterdam , located in the province of South Holland, is the second largest municipality in the Netherlands. The city has the largest port in Europe and was until recently the world's busiest port. Since 2004, however, Asian ports like Singapore and Shanghai have taken over its world leading position. Rotterdam is found on the banks of the river the Nieuwe Maas , one of the streams in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse rivers. The name "Rotterdam" is derived from a dam in a small river, the Rotte, which joins the Nieuwe Maas at the heart of the city.
As seen here, in my 1994 photo , plenty of restuarants to be enjoyed, right on the boats!!
Take a walk on the Beach, by foot or by, whatever means!!By the way, you can rent this means of transportation, as seen here,in the snapshot of a rider.
After a long ride, it is time for a drink of water, at the water hole!!.
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