After lots of rain last sunday the sky suddenly broke open for the sun and made this strange light. Some parts are extremely enlightened like using a spotlight. This is the Vrijheidslaan (Freedom avenue) in Amsterdam, so named after the Canadian soldiers who entered Amsterdam in 1945 along this road to liberate the city from the German Occupation during WW II.
I found a photo on internet of the street in May 8th 1945 with the crowds welcoming the Canadians.
What an emotionally charged day that must have been. Let freedom ring!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThe Canadian soldiers brought a different light on the avenue on May 8th, 1945 than the one you recently captured. Love both photos, esp the one of the crowds welcoming the soldiers. Interesting to me because I am now in the middle of a book called Hanns and Rudolf by Thomas Harding of two Germans, one a Jew and the other a Koommandant of Aschwitz and how their lives developed and intersected. Fascinating book and worth a read. Terrible time of history, wasn't it?!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI read a lot of books about WWII. Although being a child born shortly after the war it has always influenced my life because of the stories my parents told us. I married in a family who had suffered personally losses due to the deportations. My daughter lives in this neighourhood and I always have to think about the history when passing here.
VerwijderenMy Dad's two brothers were there in Amsterdam, my Dad had been injured and never got to go. I remember the stories of the wonderfully warm hearted Dutch People my Uncles would tell when we were children. This post brings back memories Marianne. I love the photo.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI'm proud of the special relation between Holland and Canada. The Dutch government still sends 20,000 tulip bulbs to Canada's capital city Ottawa for the annual festival. There's an interesting story about Dutch Princess Margriet Francisca. You can read about it here... http://www.canadacool.com/COOLFACTS/ONTARIO/OttawaNetherlands.html
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYes, I know the story, she had to be Dutch because she was in line for accession to the throne although she had two older sisters. She has still a special tie with Canada and is a very nice warmharted woman who reached a high position in the Red Cross board of directors.
VerwijderenI have seen some articles where present day photographers have searched out a WW2 scene and taken a photo from the same exact point and angle showing a comparison of the street and buildings from then and now. I think that would be fun challenge to do in Amsterdam.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenDearest Marianne,
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThat light is almost surreal! Beautiful photo since you were there JIT = Just In Time!
Thanks for your efforts to share the beauty of The Netherlands and its rich history.
Hugs,
Mariette
yes, that light makes for pretty pictures!!
BeantwoordenVerwijdereni notice that i take so much less pictures than i used to. so often i am on my bike and then i dont stop for pictures...