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« September 2011 | Main | November 2011 »
One of the places we've been house-hunting is Vermeer's Delft. I adore this charming city and fell in love with a 1920s house, simply because of its original stained-glass windows and doors. But it's a bit small, so the search continues.
Strolling along this canal, we came across a swan paddle boat. Click photos to enlarge.
And this building boasts its original hand-painted sign, stained glass windows and a trompe l'oeil mural on one window.
The search continues!
The recent 740th annual Horse Market and Parade featured Dutch cowboys (and cowgirls) and some beautiful horses.
A smile for the camera.
A steady rain didn't dampen the spirits of local residents and horsing enthusiasts.
The American flag and horse blankets referencing the Texas state flag were on display.
Wait for me!
On a rainy Wednesday, Oct. 12th, Dutch horses and riders gathered for the 740th Annual Horse Market and Parade. Click photos to view detail.
Sorry to delay posting these pictures, but between fighting a nasty bug and house-hunting, I haven't had much time or energy to blog.
Check back this week for photos of Dutch cowboys and more horses from the Horse Market and Parade.
Imagine if you lived a nomadic lifestyle, like these Bedouins camped out in the ruins of a village near Kerak, Jordan. Think what it would be like if you had to take your food source with you, everywhere you went. (Click photos to enlarge).
Consider the difficulties of moving not only your family and essential possessions, but goats, roosters and hens as well.
Imagine that without the eggs, milk and cheese from these animals, your family might go hungry.
These Bedouins are nomads by choice. But millions of people around the world are living like the Bedouins, forced by political turmoil, floods or drought to flee their homes carrying whatever food sources they have or face starvation. Some refugees are able to find temporary respite in an encampment run by the United Nations or aid agencies. They don't get to choose what they have for dinner; they're just relieved to have a meal. But thousands of people aren't so lucky, dying of hunger or disease before reaching shelter.
When climate change, conflict or war tip the balance, the safety nets vanish. Together, we can fight famine. Add your voice:
Oxfam's East Africa Food Crisis Appeal
A young Dutch rider waits to participate in festivities Wednesday at the 740th annual Horse Market/Parade (click to enlarge). Taking photos in the rain probably didn't help my fight with a virus that's making the rounds...Back with more photos of horses and cowboys when I'm feeling better.
Horses at midnight...Lighted images of horses and their reflections in a canal.
The horses are in honour of the annual horse market, conducted in this area for the past 740 years!
A deserted Voorstraat at midnight, with platforms ready for festivities that begin early Wednesday morning, October 12th. Stay tuned for photos of the Horse Parade!
A handmade pottery bowl with tiny aqua-centered mushroom caps sits on a windowsill. The bowl contains Dutch bulbs (autumn crocus is the American equivalent) that bloom without water. Click images to enlarge.
While some bulbs are flowering now, others will take a few weeks to bloom.
This weekend, may you have a cozy thatched-roof cottage - or its equivalent - in which to shelter, read and dream...
...well-tended flower gardens to admire...
...Nature's wonders to appreciate...
...long walks or bike rides in fresh air...
...vibrant fall colours matching the warmth of family and friends...
...and bright bouquets to cheer even the darkest moments.
Photos taken in two villages in Zuid Holland. Click to enlarge.
With the exception of 2006 when I was in Seville, it's the first time in 11 years that I'm missing the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris. It's disappointing not seeing the beautiful racehorses and the unusual hats in person. So I'm doing the next best thing and watching the festivities on television.
Here are photos from the 2010 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (click images to view detail):
Trying on hats.
A little girl looks through a hatbox of fascinators.
Race winner.
Serving Belgian waffles.
Buying sweets.
All photos from the 2010 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
