Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Afsluitdijk

The Afsluitdijk (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɑf.slœy̆.ˌdɛi̯k], Frisian: Ofslútdyk; English: Enclosure Dam) is a major causeway in the Netherlands, constructed between 1927 and 1933 and running from Den Oever on Wieringen in North Holland province, to the village of Zurich in Friesland province, over a length of 32 kilometres (20 mi) and a width of 90 m, at an initial height of 7.25 m above sea-level.

It is a fundamental part of the larger Zuiderzee Works, damming off the Zuiderzee, a salt water inlet of the North Sea, and turning it into the fresh water lake of the IJsselmeer. Its main purposes are to improve flood protection and create additional land for agriculture

I found this incredible satellite image on Wikipedia.

On our way to 'poezeoma' we drove over the Afsluitdijk and as a good mum :) I stopped half way to educate my children on this amazing engineering project. They need to learn that we Dutch are the best in the world when it comes to 'fighting the water'.

 

Of course this moment had to be captured :)

Dubai reunion on the Dutch coast

Three friends and 7 kids in two 'beach houses'. How nice to see each other again and catch up.

It was one of the few nice days we have had this summer and we had a lovely dinner on the beach. Marlies, Thera and I were able to chat while the kids played in the sand. Great afternoon and evening!

 

Monday, July 2, 2012

Wind park in sea

While enjoying dinner on the beach in Holland (a memorable fact in itself) our view was of the princess Amalia windpark.

The opinions vary greatly but I think it is quite an amazing sight. I did some further research and found the following facts.

  • The park is located 23 km from the coast
  • it consists of 60 wind turbines
  • It cost €390 million to build
  • It generates green electricity for 125.000 households
  • It is fully functional 98% of the time

and here two more pictures taken from the official website: http://www.prinsesamaliawindpark.eu/nl/index.asp

 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Tuscany - views


View from San Gimignano
 
 
Views from Castello di Brolio

View from Casa Cornacchi
 

 

View of and from Il Paluffo