Day One – Utrecht

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“Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, healthy, free and the world before me, the long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.” – Walt Whitman

On the first leg of our trip we have a surprise guest star along – our very own Brittany❣️
In an effort to stay awake today and get over jet lag asap, we went on a city walking tour with Jeffery. We strolled around town with him (and 30 of our new friends), he was informative, entertaining and just plain fun !
We walked through this beautiful, graffiti filled tunnel.
One of our stops was at this beautiful church where we learned…
that this pulpit and stairs were carved from one solid piece of cedar from Lebanon.
We visited this local pub that…
doubles as a Catholic Church every Sunday morning when then have a service in French.
Up until about five years ago this library looked quite traditional, until “someone” decided more children would visit if the facade were more colourful. The townspeople did not agree and, in fact, it did not bring in more kids! 🤷🏽‍♀️
But I have to say that, other than the round florescent lighting, the inside of this library is gorgeous! The half domed ceiling is just beautiful!
A tourist stopped by the library for an impromptu performance – lovely.
This sign amused me – zero euros for parking your bike for 24 hours.
In 2011 this sculpture was erected to commemorate Napoleon. But wait! Stay with me here – Napoleon took over a huge dwelling in 1805 and remained until 1811. The townspeople weren’t fans of this dictator. Before he left town he spoke to the community in their Dutch language. As he referred to himself as a “king” he mistakingly used the word “rabbit” ! Ripples of laughter spread throughout the city as the citizens got the “joke”
Okay, this tower that is fondly referred to by one and all as the “Dom” – this is our third visit to Utrecht and it’s the first time we’ve seen the Dom. It was under renovation for the last six years and we were determined to see it unshrouded.
It is visible from nearly everywhere in the city.

We were so happy to finally see and it did not disappoint!

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Published by murphys836

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21 thoughts on “Day One – Utrecht”

  6. So fun! You are just starting and we just got home! So fun that Brittany’s there! Have a great time!

    Love Shannon

    Sent from my iPhone

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  7. Wow! Can’t get enough of the history and the Dom is awesome. Glad we can appreciate it now that we’re older. I think the Catholic Church and pub are a great idea ! Leave it to the French ! 😁

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  9. Have a wonderful time exploring together! Delighted to be with you on this year’s adventure, with all the interesting detail and stories you always manage to find. Looking forward to seeing you in France! 😃💕

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  10. Wonderful that Brittany can be with you for part, if not all, of your Netherlands adventures!

    Have fab time. Love your travelogue and pictures. MK

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  11. ”undertaking Utrecht” 😁

    amazing library, and I love the colourful details in the first church (especially the Lebanese cedar!)

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