Gouden Passies

Last night I joined another series of the Golden Passion (Goudse Hartstocht) in Gouda, 

a series of living-room visits with complete strangers who share their passion with you. 

It's a great way to connect with people, but most importantly, 

it's a guaranteed way to surround yourself with people who have a zest for life 

and who love sharing that vibe with you.

The opening honours were done at Gouda Studio's Music Art Centre.

Kennisevent door GoudenGasten

Ik was er ook weer bij...lekker mixen met andere zelfstandige ondernemers in Gouda.

Het kennisevent werd georganiseerd door de GoudenGasten.

The Ice Gods & the Lowlands

It doesn't happen often, but when it does, this little country goes into ecstasy with ice-fever.
Below are some snapshot moments of a sunny & ice-cold day in Gouda, The Netherlands.

The Dutch dunes are beckoning me!

A spontaneous visit to Scheveningen one late wintery afternoon...

With the sun setting, the cold wind blowing through my hair, I set out camera in hand, 

to capture the warm light touching on our unique bit of coastline.

The dunes feel so vibrant and alive to me...they are like a chalice, ready to share their wonders.

Charm o the Night

Fascinating architecture, playful lighting illuminating through the darkness of winter, 

and you could find yourself in this little scene.
Yes, living in a town dating back from the middleages has its perks!

Sharing the Light

This year, I was asked by the event organizers Gouda bij Kaarslicht to film the annual celebration.

On December 13th atop the roof of one of Gouda's historic buildings, I had the most fabulous vantage

point I ever had of the lighting of the candles! Here are some pictures I took in between filming.

And I thought Groningen was a...

Groningen Map, The Netherlands

And I thought Groningen was just a little hovel of a town in the north of Holland....Well, excuse my ignorance!

After my first impression, heading up there on a sunny Monday and falling into something called "keiweek" (the first week of university) I would describe Groningen as vibrant, friendly, culturally interesting, and most definitely a city filled with entertainment.

Just like Gouda, the old part of town is surrounded by canals, which creates a feel of entering a beating heart, full of strength and life.
And having the university faculties located within these perimeters in incredible architectural structures from the middle ages, town humming with students who still remember life is there to enjoy...well, makes for a great place to get to know better.

Groningen gets my two-thumbs-up for places to visit, hang-out and have fun!

Groningen Centraal Station, Netherlands

Groningen De Drie Zusters bar, The Netherlands

Groningen Grote Markt - Market Square, The Netherlands

Groningen Synagoge, The Netherlands

Groningen Supermarket Albert Hein, The Netherlands

Groningen Parked Bike Along Canal, The Netherlands

Groningen Keiweek Enthousiasm, The Netherlands

Groningen Martini Tower, The Netherlands