Blue Monday or Monday Blues?
The mirrors on the ceiling in Amsterdam Central reflected pale sandwiches eaten by cold children in yellow reflective jackets. We were all cold.
The Westerkerk we gathered in for a concert that only happens on a Wednesday at 1 pm made Monday feel more blue. But we tourists all sheltered from the wind and rain.
A short walk past Anna Frank’s once upon a time place of safety for while showed queues for all those booked on line. But then we were warm again in a covered by perspex boat. We all sat as the sun came out.
It took a while but the information recording started. We all thought ‘ how odd we have seen that already!’
The driver chipped in and said ” when you hear look left look right.” We all did as he said.
” That church” he said ” the one you can see.”
Yes, we sat in that one waiting for a concert that didn’t happen and a grave they didn’t know the placement of. Rembrandt’s grave.
” That church” he continued ” is where the rich were buried so shallow that the whole place stank! Ah, now you know why we say stinking rich.”
Ah, we all thought is that really true?
But he was not for stopping on this blue Monday or was it just Monday blues after a week of warm sunshine.
” You see this bridge it is the narrowest bridge in Amsterdam. They say if you kiss your girl and she says yes to marriage on this bridge it will last forever. Stupid bridge! I did just that and it was all soon over.”
We all thought ” sorry our man.”
The rain, the wind, the clouds then a little sun. Amsterdam and the canals.
A place to eat that was next. Even there, there were some Monday blues, what we ordered had been enjoyed over the weekend and the asparagus soup was salty, but the fresh ginger, in three large slices, held with a stick, and next to a stalk of mint, as tall as a glass with plenty of honey to add, made boiling water a treat!
Amsterdam with Monday blues not nearly as drastic as a blue Monday in January!
Here are some photographs with a little information:
From Amsterdam central station there is a free 24 hour ferry to the Eye Film Institute. The building was officially opened by Queen Beatrix in 2012. The building reflects light from the IJ river and was designed by Vienna – based Delugan Meissl Associated Architects.
Then from 2012 to the 17th century we sail past canal houses along the Damark waterfront. They are built on submerged wooden piles that have shifted over centuries and are fondly called the “Dancing Houses”.
Then the canal with seven bridges and later on the Mayor’s house.
A day when the face of the central station clock looked down on the streets of Amsterdam through a Monday of cold and rain after a week of sun.
Then here is a sad David speaking in 1060 B.C. Sandy has put it in her words. David is being chased by Saul and speaks to God about His despair and in the end receives assurance.
Psalm 6
Oh, LORD don’t reprimand me, don’t humble me in Your hot annoyance and dissatisfaction. Have mercy on me, oh LORD, heal me; because I am physically, emotionally and spiritually breaking. (My bones are vexed)
Return, Oh LORD, deliver my soul: Oh save me for your mercies sake. My pillow is wet with my tears.
Stop it! Leave me alone who work evil for the LORD has heard my crying and the LORD has received my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and confounded.
From David to God 1060 BC.
Sometimes it will rain on a Monday!
Take care,
Sandy 🙂