Today’s card is from the Netherlands and this is one of my favourite ones. The colour scheme used and the fact that it has depicted cycling is more than enough to win my heart.
Ans sent this beautiful card from Weesp, a quaint town near Amsterdam – the capital of the Netherlands. Weesp is famed for its historical buildings and it will give you a different view on the Netherlands as a country.
This postcard showcases Amsterdam’s heritage. The colour scheme is based on the flag of the Netherlands – Red, white and blue. In the foreground, we can see 2 people cycling.
The Netherlands is known for its cycling culture. There are more bicycles than residents in the Netherlands and in cities like Amsterdam and The Hague, up to 70% of all journeys are made by bike.
In the background, on the left, we can see the Magere Brug (or, Skinny Bridge). It is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic drawbridges. Featured in many films, the white-coated bridge is easily recognisable.
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| The Magere Brug |
On the right, we can see traditional Dutch buildings. They look thin, don’t they? Did you know that in its old days, the prices of houses in Amsterdam corresponded to how wide they were? This is the reason why Amsterdam’s canals are lined with skinny houses, sometimes up to six stories tall, and only two or three windows wide.
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| Traditional Dutch buildings |
She says that it’s easy to cycle in Weesp, but it is not so in Amsterdam as it is busier. She also asked me if it’s easy to cycle in my city, to which I replied,
“No, it’s not. There are not many cycling tracks in my city. Only a small stretch of 17 kilometres has been allotted as a cycling track. But now, even they are used as a parking spot or have been encroached by vendors. So, cycling in my city is a bit risky as compared to the Netherlands.”
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published with the permission of the sender
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Now, let’s see what she has written –
10.01.2019. Cloudy 5°C.
Hello Vishnu,
I send you this postcard from Weesp, a nice small town near Amsterdam. Is it easy to bicycling in your city? In my hometown, it’s ok. But in Amsterdam, it’s very busy. I like to go to Amsterdam, for the museum or cinema, or when the weather is ok. Sit on a terrace with a drink watching people. I like reading to, and Postcrossing. I wish you all the best with your study and have a good 2019.
Greetings, Ans!
She attached a 1-euro stamp of King Willem-Alexander. Willem-Alexander is the reigning King of the Netherlands, having acceded to the throne following his mother's abdication in 2013.
Unfortunately, the postmark wasn’t noticeable, as it was inscribed on the top end of the stamp. It seems like the postmaster didn’t want to ruin the King's face ;).
Labels: Cycling, Postcard, The Netherlands
