Magical World #6: (Street)art at Noordereiland, Rotterdam

Sometimes you don't have to go so far

Have you ever noticed how we tend to overlook things, when they're very close? The other day I found someone's post here on Steemit about the 'kubuswoningen', here in Rotterdam. They're yellow, cubical and diagonally placed houses. I should share some pictures someday, they're just across the bridge from our place. Anyway, seeing that post here on Steemit, from someone not even from my town or country, made me realise that maybe I tend to be less appreciative to the things which are closest to me. Just because they've become so familiar.

So for today's post, I decided to stay as close to home (without staying at home, lol) as possible. I went to get some milk at our tiny local Noordereiland supermarket, and I took pictures of some of the island art which I walked past.

Decoration of cafe 't Haventje. Showing the two bridges that get you to Noordereiland: de Willemsbrug (top picture) and de Koninginnebrug (white) with de Hef (green) in the back.

Decorating the neighbourhood

One thing I like about Noordereiland, is how the buildings have been decorated. In various places they've added these long images to the walls, adding some colour. Maybe this is the area in the building where the staircase is located, or something similar, because it doesn't have any windows. It would just be a piece of brick wall if the images hadn't been placed. I like how it brightens up the area.

It's a great time for taking pictures. All the trees have just budded their fresh green leaves, and the sun makes them look almost fluorescent.

Marten Toonder's Tom Poes

The creative father of Tom Poes (Tom Puss) and Olivier B. Bommel (Oliver B. Bumble), Marten Toonders, was born on Noordereiland. On top of his home, they put this statue of Tom Puss. The house below now hosts a 'fietsenmaker' - bike repair shop.

Home owners and 'sociale huurwoningen'

In Netherlands (like everywhere I suppose), we have home owners on the one hand. And we have something called 'sociale huurwoningen' - apartments and homes which are owned by large corporations, subsidised by government, providing rental space for people with a lower income. Often these people also receive financial support from government to be able to pay their house bills. Areas of a neighbourhood with home owners tend to be better taken care of. The corporations just provide cheap housing and typically don't mind about the quality of the living space so much.

Example of a corporation owned building. The building isn't even so bad, but the balcony's look a bit cheap. Again, it's nice they added some colour - it makes the building look more friendly and well taken care of.

The art on these buildings isn't so stunning. Some flowers on top of water, and then a bit of Rotterdam skyline in the back? What's the story behind that? Well. They tried ;)

Monuments

We have two monuments on Noordereiland, both located at the Burgemeester Hoffmanplein (a park named after a mayor). Walking from my home, the first is the 'Naald van Stieltjes' (the Needle of Stieltjes), in honor of T.J. Stieltjes, the architect of the Rotterdam harbours.

The 'Naald van Stieltjes', built in 1884.

The second monument was made in honour of Queen Wilhelmina, for her enthronement. That happened in 1890. The monument has been completely renovated recently and is now in great shape.

This is actually the backside of the monument. Behind it you can see the red sign saying SPAR - where I went to get my milk.

Old-fashioned Dutch, telling that this monument is in honour of Queen Wilhelmina.

A rose is a rose

Opposite to the Spar supermarket there is one last bit of art I wanted to share with you. It says 'a rose is a rose is a rose' (but then in Dutch), which is a quote from Gertrude Stein, an American poet. It's a great reminder of how things are the way they are, and we should enjoy them as such.

By that time I had made it to the store, I got my milk and some bread and eggs too. Then walked home again, didn't want to take pictures while carrying all that stuff. But I think I caught most of our island (street)art. Hope you enjoyed!

Magical World Series

This is #6 in the Magical World Series. With these posts, I hope to add a little happiness and light-heartedness to your day. There is magic in every little corner of the world. And if we share it with each other, it does really brighten up the place!

All content is created by me, and Steemit original.
Camera used: Canon G7X