Saturday, 29 December 2007

Hairdresser at the market


Hairdresser
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
We just came back from our "Seeing Hands" massage where you are massaged by blind people, and walked through the market, where you can find ANYTHING! Even a hairdresser, go figure!

Le Grand Cafe, Siem Reap


Le Grand Cafe, Siem Reap
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
Finally in Cambodia! Had a VERY good flight from Amsterdam to Bangkok since we were both upgraded to Business Class, which meant we arrived well-rested in Bangkok - and took our connecting flight to Siem Reap a few hours later. Our airport pick-up didn't arrive (seems they didn't get our booking), so we needed to find another place to stay. We're at the Ta Phrom hotel right in the heart of Siem Reap (near PUB street). Tomorrow we'll visit Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom & Bayon. First impressions: really great, and such friendly people!

Monday, 17 December 2007

Dansje van de meespeelkinderen


Dansje van de meespeelkinderen
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
The Krakeling, 7-9 december
Een groep mensen, groot en klein, dik en dun, bikkelhard en pudding zacht, van hier en van ver hier vandaan, maken een reis. Eén van hen krijgt het idee om elkaar verhalen te vertellen. Om de tijd te doden. Ze vertellen elkaar verhalen die al eeuwen door de lucht zweven en die altijd wel monden en oren weten te vinden. Tijdens hun tocht leren ze elkaar beter kennen. Leren ze dat een voorkant ook een achterkant heeft en een boven ook een onder. Als het eindpunt in zicht is, blijkt dat ze nog lang niet uitverteld zijn. Veertig jongeren van het Jeugdtheaterhuis spelen 'Canterbury Tales'. Een eigentijdse bewerking van een aantal verhalen, die ruim zeshonderd jaar geleden geschreven zijn door Geoffrey Chaucer. Spannende, mooie, verdrietige en grappige verhalen over jaloezie, hebzucht, wraak, lust en bedrog. Chaucer schreef over alles waar we niet zo trots op zijn. Maar ook over alles wat een mens juist mens maakt.
www.jeugdtheaterhuis.nl
met. o.a. in de cast, Tessa Lieuwen

Sunday, 25 November 2007

Oost Pool Drink @ Spargo Amsterdam (Netherlands)

We finally had the "Oost Pool" drink at Spargo, Linneausstraat and got to meet the members of the FLICKR "Oost Pool" - and I have to say it was a huge success, very, very GEZELLIG afternoon!

Saturday, 17 November 2007

Goodbye to the Big Apple!


Chrysler Building
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
After 2 weeks in the Big Apple, finally back in Amsterdam - and it's good to be home! It's been an interesting time, I really enjoyed being in the States again, where everyone (yes - even New Yorkers) are friendly and very service-minded. It's a wonderful city, but a very busy one at that, and it's true, it really is the 'city that never sleeps'. Till we meet again.

Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Kerk op het Rode Plein


Kerk op het Rode Plein
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
Ja, hallo vrienden, in een meedogeloze koude poolwind (Warschau) de honden ingespannen en naar het centrum van Rusland afgereisd. Aldaar aangekomen, de verkoperts van allerlei rotzooi van me afgeschud dan wel geschopt, het plein opgelopen, waar slechts minder dan 1 week geleden onze leider des vaderlands zijn zweetpoten neerzette, en met van de kou trillende handen een photo genomen. Zodat over heel veel jaren ik, de kleinkinderen of wie dan ook vergeet weg te lopen, kan vervelen met de reisverhalen ener loonslaaf.

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

Winter in Moscow


Winter
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
Het is zover, sneeuwstormen gieren door de straten van Moskoud.
Het kwik daalt en de stemming ook.
Een ieder die niet buitengaats hoeft blijft veilig binnen, bij de blini's, wodka en matroeska's. Helaas voor ons. We zijn vastgelopen in het kruisneeuw en zitten muurvast.
Waar precies weten we niet ergens tussen 42 graden Fahrenheit en 53 graden noorderhoogte. Het bestek is ook pleiten en we hebben geen wapens dus van zonnetje schieten komt ook niks terecht, als die hele zon al te zien zou zijn geweest punt, nieuwe zin
Contact met de buitenwereld is verbroken, deze blog heb ik met de laatste postduif meegegeven die we hadden. Heb geen idee of hij aankomt.
IJsbrand Jansbroer is er met de slee opuitgegaan om te kijken of er nog hoop op redding is of er anders wat dan wel wat anders te zuipen is.
Langzaam daalt de nacht over ons heen . . ., ik had nog zo graag met de Flickr vrienden uitgebreid over sluitertijden, scherpte diepte, , ISO instellingen,RAW t.o.v. djeepek, enzo gediscukletst.
Maar helaas, hoera IJsbrand is terug met een paar kratten pivo (bier dus).

Vrienden, we moeten spaarzaam met de elektriesietijd omgaan, dus ben ik even uit het net.

Sunday, 11 November 2007

Moscow


Moscow
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
Well, here we are 2 hours more away from Gizzy. Who is enjoying(?) herself in the Big Apple. Yesterday (10/11) she got a ticket for "The Phantom of the opera" and for the first time since the invention of the wheel the theater-hands in the Rotten Apple went on strike. So, no musical, pain in her feet from shopping, credit card blocked, and worst of all, husfriend heading for Moscow. Cheer up darling, tomorrow it's Monday again and back to work. Before you'll know it, you're back in Mokum. And so am I.

Friday, 9 November 2007

Times Square


Times Square
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
It's finally Friday! It's been a long week and long training! Went to Times Square to get tickets to "Phantom of the Opera" since it's one of the major musicals I've never seen. Tomorrow will be a shopping day- Macy's is around the corner and many other stores! Tonight is Sushi night- that should be nice change from all the Italian or I-talian food we've been having.

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

Christmas is coming!


Christmas is coming!
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
During a lunch break escape from Alcatraz, I saw this poster. Christmas is everywhere in New York, unbelievable! The training is tough- long days, but it's great to be in the city that 'never sleeps'. Had a lovely meal yesterday (American-Italian cuisine) in the East Village - there are so many fabulous restaurants here!

Thursday, 1 November 2007

Hartelijk gefeliciteerd!


Hartelijk gefeliciteerd!
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
Het is al weer zo'n 30 jaar (en een beetje) geleden, maar ze is niets veranderd!
Gefeliciteerd Marja, en heb een fijne verjaardag.
Dikke knuffel van ons!

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

All Saint's Day


Lichtboom
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
De Nieuwe Ooster organised a special "Herinnering Verlicht" theme for All Saint's Day. Quite spectacular to see candles and lanterns everywhere. There was also a band ("Auky's Bazuinorchest) and a pianist admist the garden torches.

Sunday, 21 October 2007

Amsterdam Marathon: 21 October 2007


Moe maar met spirit
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy
Today was the Marathon in Amsterdam- it's always wonderful to see so many people- especially ladies like this one joining the rat race. Besides the famous contestants, are those who add spice and colour to the event. Bravo to all who - regardless of age, condition, etc, ran today! Chapeau.

Thursday, 18 October 2007

The ultimate China commercial: Olympics 2008

Next year will China host the XXIX Olympiad (Beijing 2008). This is THE opportunity for China to show the world how well organised and hospitable they are. Right. Dream on. Whatever the propadanda, China now shows it's "true colours". They support the militairy regime in Burma and thus condone terrorising Burmese people and monks. They vetoed a UN resolution and therefore support the Military Junta.

This week China expressed their displeasure that the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of a China-occupied Tibet, was to meet George W. (Why in the world would you want to meet Dubya, but oh well....).



From the official Olympic website we learn that their goal is:

"According to the Olympic Charter, established by Pierre de Coubertin, the goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play".


( http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/index_uk.asp)

Right, that is how China is contributing building a blablabla.


The cartoon is from the Dutch newspaper Het Parool and made by Joep Bertrams.

Sunday, 14 October 2007

Gaasperplas- sunny October day

Gaasperplas Today was absolutely wonderful! We seem to be having a bit of an Indian summer in October. We went on a bike ride to Driemond and parked ourselves at Gaasperplas. We then lay out a few hours in Frankendael to soak up some glorious sun!

Monday, 7 May 2007

American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer

During our trip back from Brittany, we made a detour to Arromanches, to see the place where the D-Day landings took place. We stopped by the American Cemetery - where the crosses are endless. There are so many cemetery's like this one - where young men lie who gave their lives for our freedom.

Last Friday, 4th of May, was the War Remembrance Day in Holland; and on Saturday, we celebrated Liberation Day.

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

Die And're Zusters


Die And're Zusters
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy.
Queen's Dinner at the Hogeweg was organised around the new fountain this year. The Lodewijk Schommel Dansorkest entertained the crowd the whole evening. It was a lot of fun - good company, good food, good wine, a big hit!

Sunday, 29 April 2007

Broedende duif


Broedende duif
Originally uploaded by rob-gizzy.
Since a few days a pigeon is brooding on our balcony.
There are two eggs in the nest, hopefully we can follow the birth.
We will keep you up to date about any developments.


Duiveneieren

Thursday, 26 April 2007

Thursday, 19 April 2007

Summer in Spring


Even gezellig beppen
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
This past weekend (April 14 & 15), the weather was so hot it was perfect for a picknick in the park Frankendael. The temperature was as high as 27 degrees, a record for this time of year!

Friday, 23 February 2007

Benefit for Sierra Leone


Binta
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
Our colleague, Binta, held a benefit for Sierra Leone in Leiden and we enjoyed African food and music........all the donations will go to children in Sierra Leone. For more info: www.bintasangels.com

Benefit for Sierra Leone



Monday, 12 February 2007

De Nieuwe Ooster

Tussen de buien door even een stukje wezen wandelen over de Nieuwe Ooster.

De Ooster
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.

Saturday, 10 February 2007

Biertje???

Eergister brak de winter uit voor een dagje, en ik had dus het plan om na de gedane arbeid een paar leuke winterplaatjes te skieten. Helaas, toen ik thuis kwam lag er een leuke prijsopgave voor de reparatie van DVD spelert te wachten. Al mijn inspiratie en euries weg. Nog wel wat, in depresieve toestand, geprobeerd, kijk hier maar: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robgizzy/384677842/in/set-72157594517670120/


of anders hier bij deze naar huis gestuurde zwoegster:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43568075@N00/sets/72157594524423433/

Gelukkig stond op het balcon nog een kratje levensvreugd koel te staan.

Het resultaat staat hierboven.


Thursday, 8 February 2007

Tessa


17 jaar is het kind alweer.

De tijd vliegt.

Tuesday, 23 January 2007

Back to business

Well, after we returned from Vietnam we spent some time uploading our pictures to our Flickr photo (www.flickr.com/photos/robgizzy/sets) site. That was not too much work but adding titles and tags to the pictures was quite a job.
But all that's done now, and we are now working on the pictures of previous trips.
So if you want to see those click on "Our Photo site" right of this text.
Enjoy it.

Tuesday, 16 January 2007

Back in Amsterdam


After an almost 24-hour trip, door to door, we are finally back in Amsterdam, where the weather is 8 degrees (around 22 degrees difference with Saigon) and it's been raining all morning. We've uploaded some pics from our trip - so click on the "View our Pictures - Photo Site" link to see more!

Love,
Rob & Gizzy
p.s. this picture was taken in the Mekong Delta, not Amsterdam, in case you're wondering =).......

Monday, 15 January 2007

Goodbye Saigon.......


Well, there we are, it's our last day in Saigon, and in Vietnam and finally we can internet =). We'll have to upload the rest of our pics upon our return in Amsterdam. We were interviewed for Vietnam TV this morning and had to say " We LOVE Vietnam ", see how easy it is to be indoctrinated here! Ofcourse, we agreed! It's been a WONDERFUL experience for both of us and with a heavy heart we will board the flight to Hong Kong and then homeward bound for Amsterdam.......back in Holland tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn.

From a sunny, warm, cheerful Saigon............

Love,

Rob & Gizzy

Wednesday, 10 January 2007

Saigon

Hi,
Rob and Ghislaine let you know that they are in Saigon. They are well.
The sun is shining.
Tomorrow they will go to the delta.
Marja

Sunday, 7 January 2007

Japanese Bridge in Hoi An


Japanese Bridge in Hoi An
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
" Raindrops keep falling on our heads".........no wonder it's so GREEN here, it rains all the time. Since we've been here it's been a non-stop downpour! But Hoi An is still a really lovely small town with many small Chinese merchant houses, so we're enjoying it. Today, we go to My Son, to visit the ancient temples of the Champa Kingdom and tomorrow we hit the big city, SAIGON!

Thursday, 4 January 2007

Citadel, Hue


Citadel, Hue
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
Today we visited the Citadel in Hue and took a cyclo tour! Rob & I each had our own cyclo, a very relaxing way to see the city. Tomorrow morning we're off to Hoi An- where we'll be based for the next few days. Internet access may be even worse than Hue. But we'll try to keep in touch!

Rob - Halong Bay


Rob - Halong Bay
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.

Romantic dinner on the boat


Romantic dinner on the boat
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
This was like being in an Agatha Christie's novel, "Murder on the Nile", luckily we all got back to land safe and sound =).

Our "JUNK" at Halong Bay


Our "JUNK" at Halong Bay
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
This was our Junk on Halong Bay (as in Chinese Junk Boat). It was absolutely lovely, we had our own cabin, with shower and fabulous lunches and dinners (crabs, prawns, etc, etc), and had there were 4 other couples on our boat making it a nice small group.

ALL IN ALL REALLY FANTASTIC!

Comrades in Hanoi


Comrades in Hanoi
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
Here are some of our comrades in Hanoi. We tried to get a glimpse of "Uncle Ho" at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, but it closed at 11:30! Luckily we had some time to visit Uncle Ho before leaving Hanoi.

The Huc Bridge at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi


Bridge at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Originally uploaded by robgizzy.
This was our first day in Hanoi, unfortunately internet has been a big problem due to the earthquake in Taiwan, so I don't think we'll be able to keep you updated as much as we'd like!

Anyway, from Vietnam, " Chuc mun nam moi " or Happy New Year!

Big kisses, Rob & Ghislaine

Wednesday, 3 January 2007

Hue City

Hello everybody,

Rob and Ghislaine are still in Vietnam. They are in Hue City at this moment.
They have had a beautifull boattrip.
But internet is still not possible.
So, Rob and Gizzy ask me to make this message.

Best regards,
Marja Lieuwen