My friend Marjolein suggested we’d go to Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen to do a photo shoot as it is a building with a lot of light. Luck was with us that day as there was no rain and even some sunshine, so no need for indoor outfit photos.
Above: This is taken from the gallery on the sixth floor, overlooking Rotterdam. It doesn’t only show my olive coloured wide trousers but moreover the skyline of Rotterdam. This city was bombed heavily at the beginning of World War II which is why you see so many new, modern buildings in this old city.
Below: The Depot Boijmans van Beuningen, which is the first art storage facility in the world that offers access to a museum’s complete collection. The whole of the outside is covered with rectangular mirrors, reflecting the surroundings. If you scroll from left to right on their homepage, you’ll see several photos of the outside.
Of course we started with coffee and lunch in the light restaurant. It has a mirrored ceiling which you saw at the end of last week’s post.
Below: Marjolein in blue and off-white, looking great as always.
On our way to the restaurant, we were stopped as our handbags were too big. No larger than A4 was allowed. My plea that my orange bag was part of the outfit and that we specifically had chosen the depot to take outfit photos was useless of course. As we put our bags in a locker I took out the small purse that came with my bag. It was smaller than A4 and orange. I did gloat as we passed the guard. He laughed.
Below: Photo taken in the mirrors of the outside. It turned foggy.
Below: And another one. On the right me in reality and on the left me in the mirror.
Let’s move to the inside. You are about to see a lot of photos with art as background or just the art itself.
Below: Walking on a glass floor with colourful art underneath it and black and white cupboards on either side of the cubicle. Even though I know it is safe, I always carefully put my first step on the glass to see if it is indeed safe haha. I added the belt for interest as the cream jumper was a bit plain.
Below: The beautiful glass floor from underneath with the back of two black and white cupboards.
Below: Close-up of the floor.
Below: The way they display the art is so different from a normal museum.
Below: Self portrait of a famous Dutch artist Charley Toorop.
Below: This was a funny piece.
Below: As Marjolein took this photo, we discovered the work of art in white behind me.
Below: Right…this is art and fashion in one.
Below: With a guided tour you can enter special rooms of the Depot. For protection they provide a white coat to wear. I am not sure whether that is to protect the art or your clothes. Perhaps both.
Below: I really liked a room where you could see the front of a painting and the back.
Below: On the right the front of the painting (Saint John writing the gospel), around 1475 – 1500. On the left the back of the painting (Saint Agnes).
Below: This is a Rembrandt (portraying his son). No painting on the back.
Below: We thought it was a lovely experience. Time to hit town.
Below: We couldn’t resist taking a couple of photos as we left the Depot. In possession of the orange bag again.
Below: Funny distorted photo in the mirrored wall. Marjolein’s green bag and my orange one in one line.
Below: As we walked through Rotterdam, we saw this girl climbing the wall; her parents were looking at the photos they had just taken.
Below: Fun mural. It says: “Suddenly, just as I wanted to kiss my nipple, I see hundreds of men looking at me…”.
Art, baby.
Below: The person who wanted to marry Sam must have seen the mural’s opportunity with the ring.
Below: There are still beautiful old buildings left in Rotterdam but most of the centre is modern. This church was only 10 minutes’ walk from the centre.
Below: Another fine example of the past.
Below: Right in the centre, this old art nouveau building survived the bombing. It is now a cheese shop with a cow display. It does draw attention.
Below: We chose a chocolate shop to have a coffee and warm up. A red nose might look good on Rudolf, but I like it less on me.
Below: Marjolein at a nearby café. Beautiful boots.
Below: A head to toe shot from up close. With the orange bag. Forgot to stand straight. These trousers are sooo comfortable.
Below: Close-up of the green earrings by Lara Design.
Below: One last nice house to prove that they still exist in this modern city.
What happened in my life this week
It was a strange week with periods of no energy at all, no interest in clothes or in the blog…I know…ghastly. Then there were periods with high energy and getting many things done. Very strange.
I suffered from dizzy spells which made me keel over. It isn’t anything serious, just annoying. My organ of balance is off its rocker and will reset itself again in time.
Below: Mum in her green jumper. She forgot that we ‘styled’ it with a black and white top underneath but is just as nice on its own. She often forgets to smile when I take her picture.
Below: Haarlem by night with Christmas getting nearer. All these lights do give a nice atmosphere.
Below: I even made a Christmas piece. Although I am notoriously bad at that, I was quite pleased with this one. If it is even half decent, I am pleased haha. The Christmas tree is up as well (after I took this photo).
Below: My friend Jilske came to visit and we wandered through town for about an hour. It gave me the opportunity to run some errands for mum, like an agenda for 2023.
Love her blouse.
Below: Jilske gave me a pair of earrings she created. She started a business in jewellery and I really liked these. (See djills.com for her jewellery.)
A lot of days I spent on the phone waiting to get through to client service desks and hospital. The hospital because I found another drop of blood in my briefs (the third one in three years) and my doctor said it might be my bladder as they found a little bit of blood in my urine. So the medical process begins. I will spare you the details of waiting, misunderstanding, not knowing etc. The 22nd of December I will get some blood and urine tests and after that is done, I can make an appointment with the specialist. My doctor is fond of ruling out possible bad stuff and I wholeheartedly agree with that approach.
The problems with the Wi-Fi continued so I was on the phone with the provider every other day, trying something new. Now we have a new router. It took an hour on the phone, installing everything and I am proud to say, I did it. Well, with the help of the provider guy. Very patient man.
Selina, my blog post editor
One important person in my blog life is Selina. She responded when I wrote on the blog that I would love a native speaker to edit my posts. That must have been four years ago and every weekend she edits my posts before I publish them. I am so grateful for that.
This post isn’t edited by her as she is on holiday, visiting friends in the Netherlands. We spent a whole day chatting, walking through Amsterdam and going into vintage shops.
Below: At De Drie Graefjes. Selina having tea (very English) while I had the best cappuccino in ages. They also do fabulous cakes but we didn’t have one as later that day, we planned to have the world famous apple pie with whipped cream at Winkel 43 (which we did).
Below: Selina head to toe. She is a big fan of polka dots.
Below: We had some decent weather from 11 to 13.30 and after that it rained. The photo of this warehouse, converted into apartments was taken during the dry period.
Below: Selina loves to wear socks, so every time she is in Amsterdam, she visits the shop Socks We Love. I used this visit to buy her some socks for her birthday. The shop has a million socks (and tights), each one lovelier than the other. They have funny socks with sayings like : ‘I make BAD decisions’ or ‘Perfect in every way’. Of course I loved the rude ones most (sorry); the ones that said ‘Fuck off’ or ‘I am a delicate fucking flower’. Selina got a few dog socks as she loves dogs.
Below: Then it was getting dark grey and we walked to the station in the rain.
Below: A stupid selfie of the two of us at the station where at least it was dry. And off she was again, on her way to another friend.
I think she is great and I highly appreciate all the work she does for me (for free) every week.
Then on Friday, my former colleague Christel visited me. Time flew by as we chatted and chatted. We had a lot to catch up on. Again I forgot to take a photo so I asked her to send me one (below). Next to her job as a media manager and being there for her three children, she is also a DJ at parties and a very good one too. Her music (the latest) playlists and DJ work are admired by many in the business. She is nearly 50 years old, has no wrinkles, looks 20 years younger and has the music taste of the youth. No idea how she manages this all.
On top of all these nice things happening, my husband Ron came up with this offer: “Every day you may ask me to do something which helps you or pleases you, just to make you happy”. What a fantastic man.
Greetje
PS There has been a little glitch in my email program but it has been taken care of.
Hi Greetje,
Great post as always. I love the variety in your style – I know you don’t think you do that but you are showing us so many different styles of trousers. I might have missed it, did you mention what make the trousers are?
PS. you should be on commission with the Dutch Tourist Board….
I am showing so many different styles (of trousers) because I have no real signature style. Well, apart from jeans with a jacket. And I find it difficult to get rid of some older style trousers, with the danger that I look outdated.
Perhaps I forgot to mention the brand of the trousers. It is 2ndDay. Probably this one although I am not sure: https://2ndday.com/collections/pants/products/2nd-mille-daily-sleek-pants-butternut
They are now in the sale but only sizes 36 and 40 are left. I am wearing a 40 but had the waistband taken in by the seamstress.
I am still hoping the Dutch Tourist Board reads my blog haha.
Outstanding photographs!
I will convey your compliment to Marjolein.
Oh wow, your Ron is an absolute darling, Greetje! I thoroughly enjoyed this post…that art gallery you went to looks absolutely amazing. So fun that you had a smaller orange purse to take in with you lol!
As for the socks, I would like the ones you like too…the rude ones!!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Hahaha, thanks for making me laugh. If you ever want some rude socks, let me know.
The art gallery was indeed amazing. I had no expectations but was pleasantly surprised.
I loved all your photos especially the quirky museum with the glass floor also the clothes that everyone modelled looked super. Your mom looks lovely and the photo of the canal with all the picturesque houses in the background are great. I hope your results are all favourable and best to keep checking to be on the safe side.
Thank you for all your compliments, which I appreciate very much. It seems my posts are still appreciated.
Thanks for the info on Rotterdam. I always wondered why there was so much emphasis on modern structures. Now I know! I hope your health is good and nothing too serious is going on. My friends and I always compare our physical ills and medication. Ha! My husband learned about the apple pie restaurant and wanted to go there. We had a late start (probably my fault) and didn’t have enough time to go and get back to the hotel. That makes another reason to visit Amsterdam!
I hope you have a lot of reasons to visit Amsterdam again haha.
As for Rotterdam, there are loads of people who love this ‘no nonsense city’. I am strictly an Amsterdam lover.
the art was fantastic. just received your email today Dec. 14.
Yes, there was a glitch in the email program. Solved it now.
And indeed the art at the Depot is fantastic.
Greetje, The photo of the (” reflection”) of the two of you as the fog starts to settle in, is stunning. I too wondered if you were ill- a weekend was missed, but has been caught up now. Those trousers are amazing- on you. I would be far too short.
You bemoan winter- but where are your parka, hats, gloves, boots and where is the snow !!!
My coat and gloves are not in sight when a photo is taken. Hats I don’t wear, I make do with the hood of my parka (yes I do own a parka). There isn’t any snow in my part of the country as we are near the sea. The south of the country however, does have snow. With the climate change, our winters have become far milder so when it is around freezing temperature, we start moaning. The Dutch are very good at moaning. About a lot of things.
Thank you for the compliments. Much appreciated.
Greetje, Not sure what happened but the post that arrived via email on the 11th was the post for 4/12 which never arrived at all.
Utrecht looks wonderful.
Best – Lesley
Oh gosh Lesley, I thought the only glitch was the fact that my email program had a glitch with this week’s post (sending the right sentences, but the title, date and link of last week’s post). But if you haven’t received the email with the post for the 4th of December, it must have gone wrong last week as well. Such a bummer.
I am trying to fix it. Tomorrow I have a Google Meet appointment with an expert on my mail program. Fingers crossed she can solve it.
Ron is such a sweetheart. Love seeing your mum and your beautiful friends too (and now I know where you found the “delicate fucking flower” socks, lol!).
Amazing pics of the buildings and architecture, and that museum is incredible. I would love to go there.
Love your big swooshy trousers – the belt is perfect.
Ron cleaned the oven for me today as part of his treat. Soooo nice. I hate oven cleaning.
You will have to come over to the Netherlands and we will visit the Depot and loads of other places. (I know…ain’t gonna happen.)
The museum photos are fabulous! You and Marjolein (and your other photographers) do such a creative job of finding interesting locations and poses. Love the olive trousers — you look very slim.
I’m glad your doctor is so thorough and that all the tests will be negative.
Your mom looks so lovely in green!
Sounds like you enjoyed this post. Good !
It isn’t easy finding interesting locations and in winter it is murder. So cold.
Sometimes I am completely fed up with everything, clothes, photos, blog and start moaning that I am going to end the blog. But an hour later I will come to my senses, so don’t worry haha.
Wow, that art museum is fabulous!! I love the unique presentations of the artworks.
I hope everything is OK with your health. It’s something we can’t take for granted these days!
I’d love to visit that socks store too. We have so few options for fun socks here. And nice job with the Christmas arrangement!
The Depot is indeed quite unique and lovely.
My health…hmm…so far I am not worried (yet haha).
Whenever you are back in Amsterdam (who knows?), I’ll take you to the socks store.
It was interesting to me that the restaurant had a guide line for the size for your purse. I think it’s a great idea as I’ve haven’t heard of that before. In the States, many people carry large totes and backpack. We’re wondering a lot about, what’s in them!
I enjoy the pictures of interesting subjects that you select each week.
Hoping you feeling better this week.
Environmental activist are throwing milk and such against famous paintings in the Netherlands to seek attention for the climate change. Which is why the museums are extra careful.
It wasn’t just the restaurant that had a guide line for the size of our purse, it was meant for the whole museum. Once you were in the restaurant, you had access to the rest of the museum.
I always enjoy your posts, but this one was extra good with so many lovely photos. The photos with the mirrored wall are really lovely. I’m going to make a note of that museum in case I ever have the chance to visit the Netherlands again. I’m not sure I’d be able to handle the glass floors (are all of them glass?) but the art and the way it is displayed might convince me to try!
No, only the one floor I showed you was glass. The rest of the floors are normal. Of course such a glass floor is tried and tested, but your mind says it isn’t safe haha.
I am very pleased I was able to entertain you. Wasn’t sure whether the number of photos wouldn’t be too much but so far I haven’t heard any complaints.
Love this outfit with the flowy trousers – you look great! Thanks for taking us on the museum tour. I would really like to go there and see that amazing floor, but I would probably be afraid to walk across it.
Have a good week.
These trousers are going to be my favourite trousers. Soooo comfortable.
The Depot is really different, worth a visit.
Goodness, I admire your beautiful country almost as much as I do your fashion sense and your sweet husband!
Please do look after yourself. How good that your doctors want to rule out anything big. Mine say, “when you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.” (Hello, I’m of an age where herds of zebras start thundering in.) I hope all is resolved for you soon!
Have a wonderful week!💗
Your doctor is a bit too easy I think. Or perhaps he doesn’t want you to worry.
Thanks for all your compliments.
I found Sarah’s comment interesting as I have neuroendocrine cancer (NETS) and the zebra is our symbol because of that exact saying. NETS is not as well known as most cancers, so it is considered a zebra, not a horse.
I loved this post, Greetje! The Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen looks amazing… so unusual and interesting! Lots of other great photos too.
Gosh Elaine, didn’t know this about you. I hope your NETS can be treated and isn’t too aggressive. It seems like quite a burden to live with.
As for the depot and the photos…thank you for the compliments.