The Netherlands – Not Your Average Engineer

July 31, 2012April 28, 2014

Eating at Pyongyang

While staying overnight with Duane in Amsterdam, I went with him and some of his friends to the Pyongyang Restaurant in a suburb of the city. The North Korean government setup the restaurant as a way to show the world what North Korean cuisine is really like and also probably to make some hard currency.

A beautiful flower napkin in our water glasses.

Video of some of the entertainment provided by the hostesses during our meal.

It was such an odd and fun experience.

In spite of the price, I would go to the restaurant again.

On the way back to Duane’s apartment, we spotted this funny sign.

July 31, 2012April 28, 2014

Wandering Around Amsterdam

After a great trip through Southeast Europe, I had a 24 hour layover in Amsterdam. Through random internet friends, I found a friend of a friend who happens to live in Amsterdam and who was cool with a complete stranger staying with him for the night. I took the train into Amsterdam from the airport.

In the main train hall.

Out in Amsterdam.

I love the wind direction indicator.

The train station looks pretty much the same as when Chris and I were here in 2005.

Lots of tourists in the downtown area.

Blowing bubbles.

The famous canals.

Local graffiti.

A little drawbridge over a canal.

The infamous bollards around the city.

A Swiss boat motoring by.

A small lock system.

I love the bicycles in The Netherlands.

Sweet old car.

Someone got the boot.

A Honda Transalp. Super rare to see these in America.

That’s one way to lock a moped up.

What is this? A 1989 Honda Pacific Coast spotted in Amsterdam!

This bike was in absolutely outstanding shape. The only modification that had been made was a tall windshield.

Just look at those beautiful plastics!

A marine-themed chocolate shop.

I love the bicycle lanes.

A funny-looking car.

Epic motorcycle.

It started pouring when I got near Duane’s house.

Waiting in the rain.

August 6, 2005July 1, 2020

Amsterdam

After a cold night spent in a cow pasture north of Amsterdam, Chris and I ventured down into the city. One of the first sights for us was a canal with boats.

No boat parking.

Super old school drum brakes on a bicycle.

These barricades were sprinkled all over the downtown area.

The outskirts of the Red Light district. We thought it best to not take pictures in the district as there were many signs and large men indicating that this would not be a permissible activity.

Driving through Amsterdam trying to find our way back to the highway to head south toward Karlsruhe. We only stopped in for lunch and to check out the downtown before we had to get moving. Tina was due in Germany in just a day or two!