I visited the Centraal Museum Utrecht today. I've been to the Museum before but had never seen the permanent exhibition. The permanent exhibition is large. I'm glad I got the opportunity to see it. I was there to see the 'Disappear' installation on grief, which was simple yet so moving.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don't think I have ever seen the escalator going to Utrecht Centraal from the Smakelaarskade side of the station work. So imagine my surprise today when I walked around the corner and it was clean and in working order 😂

Yesterday's 'museum' visit was Landhuis Oud Amelisweerd in Bunnik (a few kilometres from the Utrecht city centre). The house from the 1700s is well preserved and the guides generous with their time and knowledge. We ate great food, bought fresh farm goodies and enjoyed the surrounds.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I also made a stop at the Kruideniers Museum. The museum shows the history of groceries from the old grocer to today's supermarkets. It is cute, free and really well done. I wanted to buy some of the treats they have in the shop but didn't for some reason, so I'll have to go back 😁.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After my visit to the Volksbuurt museum I was curious to learn more about the history of Utrecht. So I visited the Utrecht Archive today. They had an exhibition on how Utrecht has been governed over 650 years. Also, the permanent collection really captures the city and is very interactive.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Today's museum visit was the Rietveld Schröderhuis in Utrecht. An impressive piece of minimalist architecture, designed in 1924. The house was ahead of it's time and stands out from the dark brick homes around it.
Well worth a visit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finally visited the Royal Delft Museum today. I learned that it takes 10 years to achieve master painter level and wow it is evident throughout the exhibition. I love how the makers of these handcrafted marvels get their chance to shine.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht was today's visit. The two courtyards on the property are beautiful. The temporary exhibition 'In the name of love' was moving in places. The permanent collection was not really my thing, but impressive. Will return to just sit in the courtyard.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My quest to use my Museum Card more continues... with a visit to the Spoorweg (Railway) Museum in Utrecht. I heard a lot of choo choos and delightful squeals and roleplays were aplenty. Trains just bring joy to all ages.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly recommended!
🚂 Choo choooooo 🚂

For those interested in 'automated' musical instruments, Museum Speelklok in Utrecht is worth a visit. It is a three out of five stars. Maybe four stars because they had some 'wind up' doll instruments that are racially sensitive, but instead of shying away from it they noted it and asked for input.

Today I visited an underrated museum in Utrecht. The Volksbuurt Museum (Neighbourhood Museum). It tells the story of Wijk C, an old working class neighbourhood in Utrecht, but it actually placed the entire city into context for me. It is a love letter to Utrecht.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly recommended!

Meet Bluey. She is my Gazelle e-bike. Yesterday and today I was told riding Bluey means I get no exercise. I'm not offended, I know better. But the person saying that today suggested joining the gym. Question: Is riding a stationary e-bike in the gym also 'not exercise'? #BikeSky

There is a little active transportation warrior in my apartment block. Doll seat and front basket on their bike! Their doll strollers and scooter are also always at the ready 😂
#bikesky

The black one was about 179 euros in 2023. I bought it from those shops in the main street. It got stolen and a friend gave me the red one that she bought at a kringloop (charity shop) and she is not the type that would part with 179 for a bike, so the red one was probably cheaper 😂

There was talk of lockable cargo bike storage boxes to allow for multiple stops on here. The options suggested were rather pricey. I got the yuba 'pot' for the front rack of my bike. Tested it on a grocery run this morning and for safekeeping of Kings Day goodies last night. 100% recommend. #Bikesky

* Cycling is the default.
* For my lifestyle it is often quicker to use a bike than public transport.
* There is no place I cannot reach with my bike.
* There is a playfulness/fun element around cycling, like these three guys using one ebike for pedal assist.

Re-reading books in 2025. First book of the year is done. I forgot how absolutely phenomenal 'Confessions of a Gambler' by Rayda Jacobs is. Also, previous readers of my second hand copy agree. Unputdownable. 🇿🇦

#2025readinglist