We made it back to Salt Lake City today (Wednesday, July 8). We stayed a few days in Amsterdam on the way home. It's a little known fact that I was born in Amsterdam (Amsterdam, New York, not the big one in The Netherlands), so I always wanted to visit my hometown's namesake.
Amsterdam (the one in The Netherlands) is a real bike-friendly and bike-oriented city. "Parking lots" are full of them.
Spending time in Europe makes you realize that US cities are really built for cars not humans.
I am a fan of Dutch painters and did enjoy spending some time at the Rijkmuseum. A lot of paintings caught my eye, but two that had a weather or climate theme are below. The first was Dutch Ships in a Calm Sea by Willem van de Velde II because he did such a great job with the clouds.
The second was Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters by Hendrick Avercamp because it's related to winter!
Dutch canals still freeze over sometimes, but it has become less common in recent decades. Such a shame.
I hope to get into blogging about Utah weather again soon.
Jim, your blog is amazing! I check it daily! I havent commented at all but I just wanted you to know I hope you keep blogging! Such interesting content, especially when it come to snow safety.
ReplyDelete1. I had no idea New York state still had a city bearing the name of Amsterdam.
ReplyDeleteNew York City was called Nieuw Amsterdam previously. Albany's previous name was Beverwyck ("Beaver district").
2. The last Elfstedentocht took place in 1997. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elfstedentocht
The canals in the Netherlands do not freeze very often anymore.
Amsterdam at one time was once one of the biggest rug manufacturing cities in the United States, attracting many immigrants, including my Irish grandfather. It was also the home of Coleco, which is probably most famous for Cabbage Patch Kids and video games, including Donkey Kong, Frogger, etc.
DeleteThe population was once over 30,000, but today is about 18,000.
Condolences on your return to Salt Lake in July, slew of 100+ days on tap for you. Looking forward to your nuanced view on what is driving the heat.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to hot and dry Utah! I spent a week in Switzerland this past June and now have a new love for the Alps.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Powder returns to SLC from the Alps and it hits 100°F. Its the Steenburgh effect ha ha ha!
ReplyDelete