A sign that made me smile, "Hoei" is a bit difficult to translate in english but "Huy"comes close to it. I wondered why that sign with the flames was there and found out that "Hoei" stands for the "Amsterdam fire alumni association". "Hoei" is an expression the fire workers use when a command is given to each other and the last word is Hoei, the receiver responds with Hoei, as a sign he has understood the command. So a kind of "ok".
The sign was attached to the fire department and a fire truck with alarmbells was passing by a few moments later.
Linking to Signs, signs
Interesting insight. Every group of occupation has their slang or codes.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGod Bless Firemen and women the world over. This has to be one of the toughest jobs ever. I guess all emergency workers deserve this praise, for where would we be without them. They risk their lives with every call. Nice topic and photos.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenIn didn't know Mercedes made fire trucks....
BeantwoordenVerwijderenSome words just don't translate
Funny that we both posted fire stations!
Thank goodness for men and women who take on important jobs of protecting their community and fellow citizens. Yes, both you and Janey have similar posts today!!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI had to smile. At first, as I tried to pronounce the word phonetically, it sounded like our American slang word "hooey", which probably would NOT be what the firemen were saying to each other. :-)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenGreat picture of the fire truck and a good story of the sign. I'm intrigued by all the bicycles!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenNice relation of the truck and sign. I like the English word "peace" on the wall.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI'm struck by how shorter the fire truck is compared to the ones we have here.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThere are special trucks with long ladders which come together at a fire when it is high up. This truck on the photo is the first one to ride out, other trucks are called for help when needed.
VerwijderenEn 'hoeihoeihoeihoei' klinkt ook een beetje als een sirene ;)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI thought maybe it was the sound the siren makes, before I read your explanation. God bless fire men and women everywhere! They deserve it.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDearest Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenLovely photos with a strong message. As for the shorter length trucks in most of Europe, that is due to the narrow roads and often narrow bridges where a long vehicle like we see in the USA and Canada, would get stuck. Both will work efficiently; no doubt and bless all our international firefighters as they risk a lot!
Hugs,
Mariette
Cute sign. I like the play on words even if it doesn't work so well in a English. :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenLove the sign! Voor mij betekent het: pay attention?
BeantwoordenVerwijderen