Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Bolo de Arroz at Schiphol Airport

Yesterday, at Schiphol Airport, in Amsterdam, on my way to Den Haag, I had 8 minutes available to drink a coffee. I thought about Starbucks but soon I changed my mind when I saw its very long queue.
Next to Starbucks is Per-Tutti. No queue. Let's go then!
Can you imagine my surprise and happyness when I saw they were selling Bolo de Arroz (Portuguese rice muffin)?!!

From Coisas Minhas


Do you see the portuguese flag? Oh, I was so excited! I asked for one, of course! Ah, "Receita Portuguesa" means "Portuguese Recipe". ;-)

I just needed to share this! ;-) Lekker!!!

PS: Sorry, the photo is not good as it should, but I was in a hurry.

Monday, 27 June 2011

Public Art in Almere Centrum Train Station

One of the things I love the most in the Netherlands is the Public Art.

From Almere (III)


These photos were taken in Almere Centrum Train Station.

From Almere (III)


In this case, all the colours give such a lifely sfeer to this usually grey place.

From Almere (III)


The author of these paintings is Margriet Maduro. She was born in Aruba in 1961. She began to paint in 1997. Art is for Margriet an important way to communicate, specially because she is deaf. She works mostly with acrylic. Her work's influence is her environment. Aruba is her great inspiration as well as her memories and daily events.

I must say to catch the train now is even more pleasant ;-) Thanks Margriet!

Sunday, 26 June 2011

Brabant's Orchestra Demonstration in The Hague

Last Tuesday I went to The Hague, one of my favourite cities of the Netherlands.
On my way back to the Central Station, in the most known square of the city, Het Plein, nearby Mauritshuis and the Parliament, I was surprised with an orchestra performance.

From Haia


From Haia


Soon I realised it was not an usual performance, but a demonstration against the cuts in the North Brabant Culture and Arts budget.

From Haia


("Cultuur Onthoofd" means "Decapitated Culture" or, in Portuguese, " Cultura Decapitada" )

As far as I understood, Brabants Orchestra, one of the top orchestras in The Netherlands, could face some serious problems with the new budget cuts. If you have more information about it, please share it with us.
North Brabant is a province of the Netherlands, located in the south part of the country. Its capital is Hertogen Bosch.

A theatre group from North Brabant was there too, doing some performances and calling the attention to the current situation.

From Haia


The Queens's Commissioner in North Brabant, Wim van de Donk, has given his support to the demonstration as well as Brigitte van Haaften, North Brabant culture deputy.

Let me share with you the videos about it I have found in YouTube.

You will listen Ravel's Bolero (1928) and "Brabant" (2002), a Guus Meeuwis song.





North Brabant is responsable for 20% GDP ( Gross Domestic Product) and 45% of the exportations of the Netherlands as far as I read in the black poster of the demonstration. A protest letter was given to Bas Jan van Bochove, of the House of Commons Culture Comission.

Friday, 24 June 2011

LAi 2010: De Nieuwe Bibliotheek van Almere door concrete architectural a...

This video is about Almere's new library. Do you remember this entry? :-)


Thursday, 23 June 2011

Disneyland Paris V

The restaurants where we went and more suggestions to enjoy the Park

We have tryed two restaurants at Disney Park, after our fast food experience on the first day. We noticed that we were spending more money with fast food than with a proper lunch (one hamburger here, a hot dog there, etc).
In my opinion, it's best to have a proper meal. As we could experience, we were more comfortable and energetic. On the other hand, we spent the same money as eating fast food along the day and we didn't have to stop several times to eat something.

At the Frontierland

We had a splendid morning in Frontierland! There you can visit the Phantom Manor! Don't miss it!

After, we went to the Silver Spur Steakhouse, where we enjoyed grilled meat and listened to some piano music. ;-)

This restaurant is located in front of the steamboat moor. Remember Mark Twain? ;-) Well, we did and we went for a trip in the Old Wild West. ;-)

From Eurodisney


At the Adventureland

The second restaurant where we went in Disney Park was the Blue Lagoon. Absolutely fantastic! We enjoyed exotic fish specialities and Creole cooking under the tropical moonlight, right in the heart of one of my favourite attractions, the Pirates of the Caribbean. We went there to lunch in the last day to say goodbye to Disneyland just comme il faut.

From Eurodisney


From Eurodisney


Last suggestions

At the Discoveryland

I also advise you to take a ride in the Star Tours! I liked it so much that I went for two rides! Don't leave the park without trying it! And be sure you do it before your lunch or dinner. ;-)

Before you leave the Park, take a look at the sidewalks in front of the Disney Hotel.
I photographed this one for obvious reasons. We live in Almere. :-) However, I noticed there were different symbols in each stone. Do you know what they mean?

From Eurodisney


I hope you have enjoyed this trip in Disneyland Paris!!! :-)

Stay well!!!

Saturday, 18 June 2011

Disneyland Paris IV

At 7 pm it was time for Mickey and his Friends Show.

From Eurodisney


From Eurodisney


A very nice way to end a day full of emotions!

In the afternoon, before our stroll in Alice's Curious Labyrinth, we saw the Queen of Hearts giving an autograph :-)

From Eurodisney


In the morning, we took a photo with Mickey. :-)

From Eurodisney


Some of the attractions were closed like Sleeping Beauty Castle.

A pity that it was not possible to visit it :-(

From Eurodisney


Yet, there is so much to enjoy, like a train trip, for example ;-)

Main Street Station

From Eurodisney


Disneyland Railroad

From Eurodisney


As you already know, we have stayed at Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch. However, we were curious about Disneyland Hotel.

From Eurodisney


So, we went there for a coffee and enjoying the view :-)

From Eurodisney


(to be continued)


Have a nice day!

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Disneyland Paris III

The Disneyland Paris attraction I loved the most...:-) it's a small world....

a boat cruise located in the Fantasyland area ...

From Eurodisney


300 brightly costumed dolls representing the children of the world, in a spirit of international unity...

From Eurodisney


singing the attraction's global peace theme: it's a small world (after all)...

From Eurodisney


the boats carry the voyagers as they visit the regions of the world...

From Eurodisney


until the Finale Room with representatives from all the cultures of the world dressed in white versions of their native costumes and singing in English in unison...

a Magical and Lovely message of Hope!!! :-)

Enjoy the video! :-)



it's a world of laughter, a world or tears
its a world of hopes, its a world of fear
theres so much that we share
that its time we're aware
its a small world after all

CHORUS:
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small, small world

There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone.
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It's a small small world