EUROPE-6TH STOP-HOLLAND

The final leg of my trip took my full circle back to Holland. But this time, to view more than just Amsterdam and fit a killer rock concert in too, before flying back to SA.

High above the clouds in a quick 45minute flight to Schipol Airport.

2 train trips from Schipol took me to Gouda, Holland. And about 5 minutes after dropping off my bags, we were off to a bar, in a church. Yes, in a church (well, a former church).
The following morning brought beautiful weather and a much needed trip to a Dutch market, where all the good things were for sale.



And of course, not without a little display from the Muziekschool Gouda

Amsterdam was next on the itinerary, and as luck would have it, I was there in the middle of the world cup. Which made for a great display of Dutch patriotism everywhere I looked.

EUROPE-5TH STOP-CAMBRIDGE

I have been incredibly slack with my blog since I left Edinburgh last year June sometime. I neglected to complete my European trip blogs or anything after that for that matter. But, I am back, and ready to hit the ground running.
Starting with the 5th leg of my European tour, where I was in Cambridge, England. I honestly didn't see much of the city, but I manages to squeeze in a few sights.

Incredibly cute little cottage...
Cambridge Skatepark...
Cambridge Trees...

EUROPE-4TH STOP-EDINBURGH

A quick 4 hour train ride took me from London King's Cross to Edinburgh, Scotland. I was tempted to fly,but 20 minutes into my train ride I was incredibly happy I took some well travelled friend's advice. The scenery is fantastic, and I was probably as excited about the incredible landscape as I was my new adventure. Scotland, here we come.


'Edinburgh, is what Paris ought to be'.
After reading this quote by writer Robert Louis Stevenson it was only fitting that Edinburgh followed Paris on my European adventure. And with a little sightseeing, I hoped to understand Mr Robert Louis Stevenson's reasoning. Edinburgh Castle...

Edinburgh at night.

EUROPE-3RD STOP-BRIGHTON

After Paris, I took a little 45min flight to London town. Although it was enticing, I decided to hop straight onto a bus and travel down south to Brighton for a bit of coastal therapy. The universe was truly looking after me, as I got to see the beautiful town from the ocean, aboard a friend's boat. Phenomenal.

EUROPE-2ND STOP-PARIS

After Amsterdam, I drifted to Paris, the city of Love. I have never visited Paris before, so it was great to follow Amsterdam and all its glory, with this phenomenal city. I stayed in the 9th, in Avenue Trudane and as I stood on the balcony, there in front of me was a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. As it slowly starts getting dark, the lights on the Eiffel Tower start to twinkle. I couldn't help but publish these straight away.

The sunsets over the buildings are always spectacular.



After the initial excitement and awe of this magical place, I little sightseeing was in order. A local Parisian friend of mine Greg was my tour guide and the beautiful journey began.

The view from the Sacre Coeur
Place Vendome
The Louvre

And a little more of Paris.


I went to a few exhibitions whilst there too... There is an incredible amount of visual stimulation in Paris, around every corner.

IRVING PENN exhibition...

World Press Photo Exhibit 2010


DYNASTY exhibit at Museum of Musee d'Art moderne de la ville de Paris /ARC and the Palais de Tokyo.

And the last little bit of sightseeing, before leaving the beautiful city.

AMSTERDAM TATTOO CONVENTION 2010

I am lucky enough to be a part of Adrian Nakic's new book project on Tattooing and the incredibly diverse culture surrounding it. Following a very successful run at the Cape Town Tattoo Convention in 2009 we attended this year's Amsterdam Tattoo Convention 2010 held at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam.
The days were long, but the people were magnificent and the pictures will speak the words that I am still unable to verbalise. The people, their culture and dedication to their art humbled me beyond explanation. Thank you.