The Dutch are often credited with being hard workers. They have the reputation of being frugal and practical. But on a recent visit in June, we learned that they also know how to relax.
For Amy’s Time to Relax theme this week for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, here’s my take on how the Dutch relax.
Head Out to Sea
Everybody needs a relaxation place to gather his strength now to give a better fight in tomorrow in the arena of life!― Mehmet Murat ildan
For hundreds of years, the Dutch have been seafaring people, so it’s no surprise that they head for their boats for some relaxation.
Heading Out to Sea. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.
Have A Party In a Boat
Relax. No one else knows what they’re doing either.― Ricky Gervais
When the Dutch men in the boat spotted me with my camera, they waved and raised a bottle of beer in salute. We saw several “party” boats traversing the canals in Amsterdam, filled with friends, beer, and food.
Time to Drink. Amsterdam. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.
Hang Out with Friends
Time passes so fast. Make time to be still.― Lailah Gifty Akita
Customers in this Dutch coffee shop have the option of sipping their lattes at tables inside the cafe or outside near the canals. They can also sit on the fire escape or on the roof.
Coffee Shop Relaxing, Amsterdam. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.
Seize the Moment and Have Fun
Relax as a child, Collect your stress and hide
Relax that you can listen, the song which is hidden
Relax for a minute, hear the heart rhythm
Relax and find your soul to be part of divine― Swati Tyagi
These parents and children took advantage of a brief flash of sunshine to have fun on the grounds of the Kroëller-Muëller Sculpture Park in the Netherlands. This amazing museum and sculpture park houses the second largest collection in the world of Van Gogh’s works.
Be Curious and Explore
Make and take the time to relax, recharge, find your peace and look after yourself. Your life and everyone in it will be thankful you did.― Akiroq Brost
Once a year, owners of the canal houses in Amsterdam open their gardens to the public. We joined curious Amsterdamers and explored the gardens of these wonderful homes. Each garden was unique and provided a fascinating insight into the Dutch way of life.
Now it’s your turn. Where and how do you relax? Where are your favorite places to unwind? As you might have guessed, my favorite ways to relax are by taking photographs and exploring new places!
On Saturday, July 28th, Tina of Travels and Trifles will moderate the next Lens-Artists Photo Challenge.
If you missed our initial challenge announcement, see the details here.
And finally, I’ll leave you with my wish for an inspiring week no matter where you are in the world!
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
P.A. Moed 
I love your photo of the men sharing a picnic on a canal boat. That seems like a marvelous way to relax…as long as someone is steering. 🙂
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Hi, Jackie. I wondered about that too. The man with the beer seemed like he was paying more attention to me than where he was going. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, as always. Hope all’s well!
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Lovely post, Patti! These photos are well captured. Party on the boat and on the roof, how fun. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Amy. We had such a good time there too!
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Wonderful post Patti! Loved the peek into the lives of the locals! The garden looked amazing!
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So glad you enjoyed this one, Tina. 🙂 It was an amazing garden. We probably saw about a dozen canal house gardens and each one was different. We loved the tour. 🙂
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Wonderful shots of locals enjoying the day, Patti. You’ve captured the mood beautifully.
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Thanks, Jane! I appreciate your critique and kind words. 🙂 🙂
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There’s nothing like a garden to relax in.
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😎😎
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I love these images of people hanging out on the weekend and I do think there is a lot to be said about being near water and how we often have a greater capacity to relax when close to water.
One thought I had when I watched people hankging out in Holland and Scandinavia is how different it must be for people, especially middle age and older folks to be free of worries about health care coverage and to have financial security as they age. Granted they pay very high taxes and I think the freedom from worry they experince is one very wonderful benefit from those taxes!
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Hi, Arati. That’s a great point about the relaxing properties of water. It’s so true. Based on what our cousins in Amsterdam said about their quality of life (insurance, health care, etc.), I think you’re absolutely right. That is a huge worry/concern taken off their shoulders. Great point!
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Relaxing collection, Patti! Just love the coffee shop and the boat people.
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Hi, Ann-Christine! Hope you had a nice “cool” time up north. So glad you enjoyed this post. I had to laugh at the fellows in the boat!
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So you helped us with a laugh there as well! Thank you – I had marvelous temperatures, 18 C instead of the double at home – 36 C.
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Yikes! That’s hot!
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Patti we certainly have a similar mode of relaxing! I enjoyed the visit to the Netherlands with you. The photos spoke to me and I could understand a lot they said as their are similarities between Dutch and Afrikaans! I lift my beer / glass of wine to your captures
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So glad you enjoyed it, Abrie. It’s a great city. Your languages are very similar too–aren’t they? How appropriate that you raise a glass of beer to them!! The home of Heineken. 🙂
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I would love to have a snoop around those gardens! 🙂 🙂 It looks such a party city. I can hardly believe that we’ve never been.
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Hi, Jo. I really think you’d love it. The gardens, the culture. You’d take some great walks here too. 🙂
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Like you, I relax by exploring, and wandering around either near home or wherever the road takes us. Loved the photo of the people having coffee on the roof and the fire escape. lol. Kind of wish I was with them. Talking with them and just watch the day passing by. Cheers.
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