Atlantica - 01.09.2004, Page 27

in my notebook. Eventually I turn and run
to the car, which the photographer has
running and in gear.
GO SEE THE WINDMILLS
While I am chatting with the skeleton for
peace, a handsome young woman recom-
mends Rotterdam to the photographer as
the authentic city in Holland. As every
town is a short drive or train ride away in
the Netherlands, we make the trip. If The
Hague is classic Netherlands, and
Amsterdam is frantic, international
Netherlands, Rotterdam is simply the
workplace.
Erasmus bridge is admirable, and the
skyscrapers that surround the harbour are
imposing, but they are, above all else,
functional. I find an afternoon in the city a
departure from tourism. Real shopping
can get done in the town centre – there are
H&Ms on opposite sides of the street – and
I count four record stores in as many
blocks. There is also an unimposing
museum of Dutch master painters a block
away from the busy centre.
A matronly tourist information aide sug-
gests we make the short drive from
Rotterdam to the Kinderdijk area. The area
features 19 windmills, all constructed to
control water levels in the dike area. The
maze of canals with high reeds, a prodi-
gious amount of waterfowl and fish and
the 19 achingly picturesque windmills are
extremely calming. Masses of Italians and
A T L A N T I C A 25
AM
S T
E R
D A
M
A STREET ACROBAT ENTERTAINS
PEDESTRIANS AT AMSTERDAM´S
LEIDSEPLEIN.
022 Amsterdam ATL 504 -25.ps 23.8.2004 18:05 Page 25