I enjoy modern architecture, as the usual main ingredient is something I adore – Minimalism. Except physical objects that serve a function of utility, all things Modern Art, the squiggly drawings and incomprehensible artefacts, inspite of the popular notion of minimalism, are simply beyond my mortal comprehension. It precisely was what put me off from visiting the Stedelijk, but since I had nothing better to do, I finally decided to go. Needless to say, I had a great time taking pictures of the building than looking at art.
This was my second visit to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and since I had already seen most of the art, I got to spend time looking at other things, while my friends did their browsing. I should admit, I found the architecture of the building more beautiful and enjoyable than the art pieces themselves. People predictably gave me confused looks, every time I aimed my camera in directions and towards places which seemingly had nothing to offer, for them to talk to their friends about.
Queens day happens to be one of the most important holidays in the Netherlands, this year even more so, as the queen was abdicating in favour of her son and from next year the day will be the King’s day, which hasn’t happened in over 200 years. The event originally started to commemorate the birth of Queen Beatrix, but for people its an excuse to drink, party and vandalise the town.
The royal family’s house is Orange and Nassu, which makes Orange the predominant colour of The Netherlands, also the reason the entire country unanimously drowned itself in a sea of orange.
Orange was everywhere. People painted their cycles and vehicles
Shops and stores painted their logos in orange
Street vendors and hawkers were everywhere making a killing
People were sporting orange caps of all kinds
Even restaurant’s were following the suit wherever they could
Flags were placed at every nook and corner – outside monuments, buildings and houses.
Some spent their time either basking in sun, smoking up or going about their normal business, or all of them.
Amsterdam was completely crowded and littered everywhere! So much so it almost reminded me of India.
Even the flower beds on the streets were turned orange
Some even resorted to playing with orange color, which took me by surprise, as the only time I’ve seen it happen was during the Festival of Holi
Amidst the city up in chaos, with people on drinking binge and party spree, some found their moments of quietness
They even managed to organise a cheesy concert at the center of the city, where the only played songs of praise of the King and Queen and their children (ridiculous and preposterous IMO)
