The Dutch: Streets ahead in some things…

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

Any regular readers of this blog know that I enjoy looking at rather ordinary things…

Todays photos and comment are because I like the Dutch approach to roadworks. (In this instance anyway).

This street is having a cable laid under the footpath, so they need to dig a hole under the footpath.

In other countries where footpaths are mostly covered in asphalt, there are usually a series of crazy strips and isolated holes that have been filled in from roadworks like this, invariably there is subsidence between the various patches, rough edges and cracks that form, invariably it looks haphazard and messy too.

Instead of patches of mis-matched asphalt, all they have to do here is to remove a narrow strip of paving stones, dig the hole, lay the cable and then relay the paver’s afterwards.

Voila,  the pavement is restored and looks just like before… I know I probably need more of a life, but I think this is cool.

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

These Streets were made for walking…

Visiting Europe? Bring your walking shoes…. actually scratch that, bring your hiking boots. (and make certain that they are well worn in, i.e. get your blisters at home and not while you are here enjoying your holiday) Not only are the streets of Europe’s inner cities and villages mostly narrow, winding, cobbled or bricked, they are also often uneven and in countries other than The Netherlands, steep or at least undulating. Flip-flops or flimsy sandles will make work hard going, I’d advise good sturdy shoes that support your ankles and your feet and then you can make the most of some of the best that European cities have to offer .. often hidden off the beaten tracks and regular tourist trails.

I would like to be your tour guide as we explore some of these places in future posts…

Dutch streets ( photo © kiwidutch)

A local European stiletto trap….