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Goeree-Overflakkee is the southernmost delta island of the province of South Holland, Netherlands.
In the spring, the island is known for it's tulip-fields in the most amazing colors. Every year a lot of, mostly Japanese, tourist will visit the island just for the tulips.
Everything is this compact town is so perfect – the Market Square, the Cathedral, the numerous parks all look as if they were crafted by artists of note, which they were!
The city is very well preserved and clean to boot. It is almost like a stage set, nay, make that a movie set, perhaps a Disney flick?
Every window has lace curtains and flower boxes with geraniums, all the buildings are in good repair, and the architecture is infinitely interesting. Low-country designs of the Middle Ages were a matter of pride; every detail down to the outline of a window frame is beautifully proportioned.
In the heart of the downtown, motor vehicles are prohibited, except for deliveries during restricted hours, making it one of the easiest walking cities of the world, safe and well-signed. The winding cobbled streets, adjacent to the canals, are shared by pedestrians and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. Sweepers follow the horses and keep the streets litter free.
Restaurants serve authentic Belgian cooking, a strong rival to French cuisine, as well as numerous international style dishes. Fresh fish, cooked a thousand different ways, is plentiful, as are beautiful homegrown vegetables. Of course, this country is famous for its chocolate, a worthy choice for dessert. My own personal favorite Belgian meal is carpes frites plus pommes frites, which would be called ‘fish and chips’ anywhere else, but is in fact a perfect delicacy here in Bruges.
The past is tangible in Flanders. Proud bell towers bear witness to a time when cities were still independent powers. Churches and cathedrals are adorned with impressive art collections that attract tourists from all over the world. You can walk through winding streets of the six art cities and completely forget the present.
Antwerpen, Brugge, Brussel, Gent, Leuven and Mechelen proudly bear the title of Flemish art city. Many other Flemish cities have a rich patrimony: Lier is proud of its Zimmer Tower and charming city centre, Hasselt cherishes its traditions in the Genever Museum, and Tongeren, the oldest city in Flanders, interactively divulges our far past in the Gallo-Roman Museum.
In 2014 it will be exactly 100 years since World War I broke out. Dreadful battles were fought in the Westhoek, an area in the province of West Flanders. The names Passendale and Ieper are still engraved in the memories of the English, French, Germans and Belgians. Tourism in the Westhoek is often a trip filled with emotion. A penetrating image of daily life and dying on the front is presented in the museum In Flanders Fields, located in Ieper. The Last Post has been sounded at the Menin Gate in Ieper every night at 8 p.m. since 24 July 1927. The gate is a memorial to the numerous Commonwealth soldiers that died and whose bodies were never recovered.
n the early Middle Ages, the reinforced castle of Poeke (Flanders - Belgium) served as a real bastion where knights from Flanders county assembled. The castle, which was the residence of the "Heren Van Poucke" ("Gentlemen of Poeke - mention the old-Dutch spelling of the word "Poeke") was at that time governed from Bruges. However, combative Ghent rebels repeatedly attacked the castle. Consequently, after the year 1453 Poeke castle felt into ruin for many years. One and a half century late, in 1597, the family Preud'homme d'Hailly from Rijsel (North of France) bought the castle from a family called "Delrye" and governed Poeke for more than 2 centuries. They made the castle the centre of their increasingly growing properties.
It was in the same year 1597 that heirs of this nobility introduced the title "Burggraven of Nieuwpoort" ("Viscounts of Nieuwpoort"). Although their cultural wealth was initially suppressed because of the 16th and 17th century wars, successive generations of viscounts led the Baronny of Poucques to a short, but uncontested peak in 1765. From 1762 up to 1774, Karel Florent Idesbald de Preudhomme was not onlyViscount of Nieuwpoort and Oombergen, Baron of Poeke, Sir of Axpoele, Neuville, Sint-Lievens-Esse, Velaines, etc., but also chamberlain of the Austrian king.
At that time, the kingdom of the Netherlands was governed by Austria and looked as a rigid and hierarchic society, where the aristocracy was able to maintain their privileges up to the French Revolution (1789). Even after the French-Napoleonic empire collapsed (1815) and after Belgium came into being (1830), the aristocracy could maintain its position as the high social class on the Flemish countryside.
The isolated location of Poeke, the steady decrease of the number of its inhabitants and the stable agricultural character of Poeke, which mainly consisted of farmsteads, all these reasons caused the aristocratic power system to continue to function until after the Second World War (1945).
In the second half of the 19th century, the family Preudhomme D'Hailly was once and for all past its peak and financial problems weakened its position inside as well as outside the village. As a consequence, they had to abandon the castle in 1872.
The family Pycke de Peteghem - which was raised to the peerage in 1730 - bought the castle and gradually dominated the small East-Flemish agricultural village. Its political representation mainly focused on the mayoralty, a position that was rarely assigned to someone who was not a member of the aristocratic family.
The castle largely survived both World Wars, but the aristocratic influence during the 20th century died out when the last Baroness of Poeke, Inès Pycke de Peteghem deceased (1955). The property structure of the castle changed for the last time in 1977, when Poeke fused with Aalter. From then on, the castle was owned by the community and became a public domain. Up to now, it is part of an extraordinary recreation facility.
I was by the castle and waiting and waiting on the sun who did not come.
After one hour I had enough from waiting and I took a few shots with my canon 5d mark2 and my canon 17-40 lens from the castle.
Back home I used photomatix 5.04 for the shots and I must say I was impressed. I hope you like it.
Tillegem castle
Most likely it was Baldwin the Iron Arm, first count of Flanders, who constructed a wooden tower surrounded by battlements close to where the current castle now stands. After the count the castle came into the hands of several families. The families Voormezele, Hubrecht, Aertrijcke, Pinnock, Baents en Poucke were all owners of the castle through out centuries. In 1573 it became property of the Spanish merchant Matanca. He remodeled the castle in the same style as the Counts castle in Malle. The foundations and some other parts of the first castle are still visible. The family Schietere bought the castle in 1664 and through marriage it became property of the family Bailly in 1718. At the end of the 19th century the castle was sold to M. de Penaranda de Franchimont. He restored the castle completely in neo gothic style. Architects Bethune & van Assche preserved the middle-age look of the mighty castle in their restorations. The Counts of Briey and the Barons Verhaegen were the last private owners of the castle. Since 1980, the castle and beautiful park are property of the Province of West Flanders. The castle cannot be visited however the park is open. At the moment the castle has no function, hopefully soon it will be opened to the public.
Tillegemstraat 81
8200 Sint-Michiels Belgie
Middelburg is the capital of the province of Zeeland and has a rich history, which is still evident. Middelburg was founded in the 9th century when the Vikings moved into Europe. In order to protect the island of Walcheren against invaders, a ringfort was built. After the threat of the land invaders was over, the fortress started to benefit from its convenient location on the water and developed into a commercial centre. Since this fortress was the centre (middle) fortress of Walcheren, it was given the name Middelburg.
At the time of the VOC, Middelburg was the second most important town in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam. In 200 years' time more than 300 new ships were built in the shipyards. These ships set sail to Asia to trade spices, textiles and porcelain. In the centre of Middelburg you can still find the buildings that recall this golden era. After a bombardment in 1940 where, in the consequential fire, much of the town was lost, Middelburg was rebuilt again in traditional style.
In addition to historical monuments you will also find an abundance of modern architecture. Middelburg is really a town with an individual character. There are intimate squares, lovely little streets, sociable bars and apart from the large chains you can also find many boutiques, galleries and art dealers.
On the day I die, when I'm being carried toward the grave, don't weep.Don't say,
He's gone! He's gone. Death has nothing to do with going away. The sun sets and
the moon sets, but they're not gone. Death is a coming together. The tomb
looks like a prison, but it's really release into union. The human seed goes
down in the ground like a bucket into the well where Joseph is. It grows and
comes up full of some unimagined beauty. Your mouth closes here and immediately
opens with a shout of joy there.
Ghent is a historic city, yet at the same time a contemporary one. The modern daily life of the city’s active inhabitants plays itself out against a gorgeous historical backdrop. In Ghent, they live, work and enjoy life over and over again each day.
A couple enjoys the peace of an authentic beguinage. Parents and children stroll through the traffic-free streets of the city centre. A tourist snaps a photo of the three towers, as so many have before, but just a little differently. A businessman with an iPhone walks along the distinctive Graslei, crosses the Lys and enters his stylish four-star hotel hiding behind a medieval facade. Dozens of pavement cafes invite you to discover Ghent’s specialities. The sun is reflected in the many waterways.
The city is alive and bids you welcome.
Location: Holleweg, 8340 Sijsele [gps]
Accessibility: the domain is open to the public, the castle itself is not accesible
The Ryckevelde domain is situated at the border of the village of Sijsele, in the direction of Bruges. It is the largest wood on the territory of Damme. Here we are no longer in the polder area but in the sandy region. This region is by defenition much older than the rest of Damme. The area around Ryckevelde was already inhabited in prehistoric times.
The castle itself is fairly recent and is in a pretty good shape. The neogothic architecture already reveals the era in which it was built. Baron Gilles de Pélichy ordered its construction; the residence was erected between 1913 and 1929. Centrally the spiky tower catches the attention, a chapel is located in the left wing. At the back side there is a spacious garden with a big pond. from one of the numerous benches along the footpath you have a splendid view on the ensemble.
The oldest building of the domain is situated at the other side of the pond. The fortified farm dates back to the 17th century but is largely in a very bad condition except for the right side. This farm has a few remarkable characteristics you'd rather expect in a real castle. At the domain, friar Verleye founded the European Education centre in the 50's of the previous century.
It’s a cliché that Bruges is the “Venice of the north”, after the canals that circle and cross the city. But while Venice is a lateral waterscape of pale dreamy tones, Bruges is vertical and verdant, built in warm brick, and of the earth. Another thing the cities have in common, of course, is an extraordinary artistic heritage; that of Bruges is the more powerful, perhaps, because Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck are less familiar to most of us than Titian and Tintoretto. Certainly less familiar to me. I found myself bowled over in a way I haven’t been by the museums of many a larger city.
Constructed around 1300, the stronghold belonged to the counts of Gelder until 1526. The building originally consisted of an irregular four-sided corps de logis with a circular donjon as its south-west corner tower.
The location of this tower on one of the diagonals (as at Flint Castle, built 1277, in Wales) is unusual in the Netherlands; so, too, is its massive size, acquired when it was rebuilt on the old foundations after a fire in 1412. It is c. 25 m high and 16 m in diameter, with walls ranging in thickness from 1.2 m to 4 m.
Square chambers have been contrived in the thickness of the wall. The donjon formerly was not connected to the corps de logis, but it was linked sometime after the rebuilding of 1412. The present corps de logis used to be the barbican, replacing the original corps de logis when the latter was destroyed.
The narrow section that joins it to the donjon must have been built after 1512. Rosendael Castle was altered again around 1615, when two residential wings were built, crowned with Gelderland gables and Renaissance decorations; these are joined to the donjon by means of the narrow section.
A lower ward surrounded by a moat served as an ornamental garden. Rozendaal underwent further alterations in the wake of another fire in 1714.
The Gelderland gables were replaced by a new gable, which united the living-quarters under a single roof, and a splendid park was laid out, with classical temples and pavilions; the donjon was probably lowered by one storey during the same period. Despite its history of rebuilding much of the medieval fabric of Rosendael survives.
The Rosendael Castle now houses a museum, established after the latest restoration of the building and the park, completed in 1990.
Address: Kasteel Rosendael, Rosendael 1, 6891 DA Rozendaal, Netherlands
Burg Satzvey’s history can be traced back all the way to the 12th century. At this time, it was known only as Vey.
The castle’s lineage has spread over many ancient royal families. It began with the Benedictines, until the Archbishop of Cologne gave the lordship to Otto von Vey in 1368. Although the castle has retained the name Vey (partially), the family’s ownership of Burg Satzvey was far less enduring.
By 1391, the last of the line had died out and it passed on to Heinrich von Krauthausen. Von Krauthausen was the son-in-law of Otto von Vey, and was chiefly responsible for the construction of the Satzvey Castle we know today.
But even von Krauthausen didn’t maintain power for very long time either. After a series of famous noble families held control, by the 16th century, a man named Wilhelm Spieß von Büllesheim usurped Satzvey with the blessing of the Cologne Archbishop.
In the 1700s, Satzvey was once again under new management, and this time would be a bit more lasting. The castle was sold to Karl Otto von Gymnich.
Satzvey Castle remains in the Gymnich family today, and the Gymnichs have been particularly active in preserving the castle’s history with festivals and other events.
Goudriaan is a village in the Dutch province of South Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Graafstroom, and lies about 25 km east of Rotterdam.
Tongplaat, former agriculture polder, located south of Dordrecht, was completed in 2012 as a nature reserve and has again become part of the river system. New Merwede has a new branch. The river flows from the New Merwede by Tongplaat to the Dordtse Biesbosch
There are engraved creeks, they have built a staircase and there are cycling and hiking trails. On the view is a bird viewing facility. The grass is waving on the dike. Nothing is standxing the nature in the way.
A large part of the area are under the influence of tide. With high tide is almost the whole area flooded. The result is a varied and rough reed beds with bulrush, spindotters and tidal forests and lots of birds. Coming years can develop this beautiful tidal. Besides the large number of spoonbills and egrets also has the eagle is nestled in the area.
Tongue Plate is part of the outer dike ecological connection between the Sliedrecht and the Dordtse Biesbosch. The area has a total area of 101 hectares.
To preserve the tranquility of nature, measures have been taken to prevent jet skis and motor vessels can sail the inlet of the flow channel to the New Merwede. A so-called balls line is built.
The existing bunkers have been preserved on the Tongplaat, because they also do service in addition to their cultural and historical value as a sleeping place for bats.
Due to the fact that the wind comes almost from West, the waves become the same direction, from W to E, and wash the sand away
To stop/make less this washout effect, to break the stronght of the waves - that's the reason of this pillars. In the northern part of Zeeland there are beaches , many km long, and there are this pillars, always two lines together, repeating so about 500m. Depending from tide/low tide you can see 2,0m or nothing from them.
The most important of Bruges’ towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city’s charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur’s chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings.
The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February,
at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour.
- Vita Sackville-West
The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February,
at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before
we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day,
until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a
twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour.
Vita Sackville-West
Heath or heathland is a shrubland habitat found on mainly infertile acidic soils, characterised by open, low growing woody vegetation, often dominated by plants of the Ericaceae. It is similar to moorland, but is generally warmer and drier.
Heaths are widespread worldwide. They form extensive and highly diverse communities across Australia in humid and sub-humid areas. Fire regimes with recurring burning are required for the maintenance of the heathlands. Even more diverse though less widespread heath communities occur in Southern Africa. Extensive heath communities can also be found in California, New Caledonia, central Chile and along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to these extensive heath areas, the vegetation type is also found in scattered locations across all continents, except Antarctica.
Dear friends!
Thank you so much for your kind comments and visits! They are appreciated. Stay safe dears <3
With love
Geetha
There is much more to be enjoyed in Gouda than just the famous Gouda cheese. As a matter of fact, Gouda has one of the most beautiful historic city centres in Holland, full of splendid monumental buildings to admire and ancient canals with attractive terraces and pleasant shops to promenade past.
Gouda’s centuries-old historic centre features splendid monuments, such as the Sint Janskerk. This church, measuring 123 metres long, is the longest church in Holland and is world-famous for its Gouda windows. Another must-see is the old City Hall, a beautiful monument dating back to 1450. Be sure to note the carillon on the right side façade, whose mechanical dolls come to life to put on a wonderful show at two minutes past every half and full hour.
The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February,
at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour.
- Vita Sackville-West
The area were now Gouda lies, was still covered with swamps and wet land around the year 1000. One of the most important rivers cutting through that area was the "Gouwe" river. Alongside its banks the first settlers came to live during the 11th and 12th centuries. Most people came to built a house around the fortified castle of the familyu "Van der Goude" (close to the present St. John's church). The small city began to grow and named itself Gouda" (after the "Van der Goude" family).
Around 1225 the Gouwe river was connected with the Old Rhine through a new canal. The estuary of the Gouwe in the IJsel river was transformed into a harbour, which attracted more and more traders (navigating between Flanders-France on the one hand, and Holland and the Baltic area on the other hand).
Gouda was chartered in 1272 and the counts brought their tollhouse right to the city. By then the Van der Goude family had disappeared and had been replaced by the lords of Beaumont, who built a new and imposing castle on the banks of the IJsel in 1361. Already around 1350 the city had expanded to its maximum and fortified walls were constructed. Although fires (1361) and the plague (1438) did not spare the city, Gouda continued to thrive.
The plague inspired the god-fearing people of Gouda to build numerous convents and chapels. In the 15th century Gouda was rich, ranked among the five most important cities of Holland and was as large as Amsterdam. One of the most famous sons of Gouda was the 16th century humanist Desiderius Erasmus. He was born here and received his education here. Gouda developed into a thriving trade centre during the 15th century, with the focus of its trade lying on beer and cloth production. During the 80 years war Gouda became politically and economically isolated, but recovered in the 17th century due to new industries and trades such as cheese-making, pipe-making and the production of wax candles.
Gouda had always remained an industrial beehive. Some of the most important products to come from here are : candles, soap, sirup, yarn, rope, machines, terra cotta pots, pipes, etc.....
Everything is this compact town is so perfect – the Market Square, the Cathedral, the numerous parks all look as if they were crafted by artists of note, which they were!
The city is very well preserved and clean to boot. It is almost like a stage set, nay, make that a movie set, perhaps a Disney flick?
Every window has lace curtains and flower boxes with geraniums, all the buildings are in good repair, and the architecture is infinitely interesting. Low-country designs of the Middle Ages were a matter of pride; every detail down to the outline of a window frame is beautifully proportioned.
In the heart of the downtown, motor vehicles are prohibited, except for deliveries during restricted hours, making it one of the easiest walking cities of the world, safe and well-signed. The winding cobbled streets, adjacent to the canals, are shared by pedestrians and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. Sweepers follow the horses and keep the streets litter free.
Restaurants serve authentic Belgian cooking, a strong rival to French cuisine, as well as numerous international style dishes. Fresh fish, cooked a thousand different ways, is plentiful, as are beautiful homegrown vegetables. Of course, this country is famous for its chocolate, a worthy choice for dessert. My own personal favorite Belgian meal is carpes frites plus pommes frites, which would be called ‘fish and chips’ anywhere else, but is in fact a perfect delicacy here in Bruges.