Tag Archives: Netherlands

The Dutch Are Religious About Libraries

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

A few years ago, a disused 15th century church in Zwolle, Netherlands was transformed into a modern library. Now,  a 19th century church in ‘s- Hertogenbosch  has been turned into a stunning 21st century combined library/museum/community center. What a great … Continue reading →

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Automat Art

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Instead of cigarettes, these old mechanical vending machines in the Netherlands now dispense one of a kind, handmade artworks. Each Pakje Kunst. or pack of art, costs just €4 and supports local artists and art programs. The two year old project, which was … Continue reading →

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Light Up The New Year

Posted on January 2, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

Amsterdam’s annual Festival of Lights is welcoming the New Year and banishing winter blahs with 36 illuminated installations around the city. This year’s theme “Existential” was interpreted by artists from a dozen countries, including the beloved human rights activist artist … Continue reading →

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Amsterdam is Magical

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve had the good fortune to visit Amsterdam many times, in every season. While I love balmy summer days hanging in cafes along the atmospheric canals or lounging in Vondel Park, there is something truly magical about the city in … Continue reading →

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It Takes A Train To Cry

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German rail operator, recently decided to name twenty-five new high-speed trains after historic figures. They crowdsourced suggestions and received more than 19,000 proposals. A jury then selected the final names, including one that has some folks scratching their heads: Anne … Continue reading →

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Spend Your Money Wisely

Posted on September 15, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Roughly translated: Spend your money wisely, buy a book.  

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Really Big Books

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Thanks to the British Library, bibliophiles and map geeks can now view the second largest atlas in the world online. The colossal book was a gift from Dutch merchant Johannes Klencke in 1660 to King Charles II of Great Britain. The massive … Continue reading →

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Airbnb AMS

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Earlier this year I rented a terrific Airbnb appartment in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood. Before I decided on the flat, I searched dozens of interesting options, but none were as unusual as the “Inkijkbnb”. This unique rental is … Continue reading →

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Amsterdam’s Primordial Soup

Posted on March 4, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

No matter how many times that I’ve visited Amsterdam, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Just recently the old Beurspassage between the Damrak and Nieuwendijk in the heart of the city underwent an extraordinary transformation. As part of … Continue reading →

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Here Comes The Bloom

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

This week the Netherlands celebrated their annual Nationale Tulpendag, or Tulip Day. Every year, flower growers set up temporary gardens around the country and invite everyone to come and pick bags of tulips. The Tulpenpluktuin in Amsterdam’s Damrak Square offered … Continue reading →

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