Rotterdam and New Year's Eve

After having a couple of days of leisure I decide to go somewhere...I decide to go to Rotterdam.  The weather is not great and it's raining...I just about turn around and go back home but then decide to continue with my plans.  I catch the train which takes about 30 minutes to Rotterdam Central.  Everything is so close in a small country like the Netherlands.  I have no idea where to go and Rotterdam is a larger, more modern city.  As I exit the train station I see a Tourist Information booth and this is usually a good place to start.  I only have a couple of hours.  The woman suggests that I go to this market.  Best way to get there is by train...it's just one more stop.  I go back in the train station and after a bit of frustration find a train that will take me there.  It's worth it as I felt walking in the rain wouldn't be pleasant if I lost my way.




Arriving at Rotterdam Central Station

Casino - Building designs are interesting



The Market




Bike parkade - two storey




What selection!



Dark chocolate/salted caramel in hot milk - Yum!




Different flavors to choose from

Gorgeous building

The ceiling is truly amazing!

 

How I felt after drinking my chocolate drink!

Then back on the train to Den Haag Central and then tram home.  The fireworks have been going on all day and are deafening.  I even have trouble hearing the TV.  There are fireworks going on both sides of my building and it literally is non stop.  The cost of all these fireworks would probably feed a small country!  By 10:30 I decide if you can't beat 'em you might as well join 'em.  This is out of my comfort zone....I don't like fireworks (especially really loud ones that shake the ground) and I don't like large crowds at night.  It's a once in a life time opportunity so I pull up my big girl pants and head out.  Scary but exciting.


Showing off my Canada!

 

Wonderful family that included me in their New Year's celebration!



The tower of pallets being constructed - it's huge!

And then at the stroke of midnight the fire starts!

On New Year's Day this is all that's left!

 



Has anyone seen fireworks like this?  No wonder it was non stop and so loud!  This was one of many I saw on the street on New Year's Day.  I have never experienced fireworks like this...it was like a war zone...not for me!