Trick of vision

 To the people of the orchid & birdbush 'Eureka Texel - Orchideeën & Vogelbush' , an orchid and birdbush on the island of Texel: thanks for giving us the fright of our lives ;)

Friends

Photo taken in the Eureka Texel tropical bird garden.

Abandoned

I´m no member of the City Daily Photoblog community, but when I noticed on several blogs that today´s theme is 'abandoned' this photo immediately came into mind. We found this tiny plastic pink mould left on the Texel beach a couple of weeks ago.
Who knows how many foot-shaped sand cakes have been baked with it this Summer..

European Searocket

 On the day we made a long hike through the Texel Slufter area and then back on the beach, we enjoyed our lunch -a few sandwiches and a banana each- sitting on the beach. Looking to the right this was our view. Aren't those white flowers pretty? Back home I googled for them and learned that their name is European Searocket ('zeeraket' in Dutch). The plant is widespread in Europe, especially on coastlines. They grow in clumps or mounds in the sand on beaches and bluffs.

I'm linking to Floral Friday Flowers and Today's Flowers.

The Texel Soup Kettle

 DE TEXELSE SOEPKETEL, or 'The Texel Soup Kettle', is a foodtruck that had a former life as a fire engine on the island of Texel, which explains most likely the kind of enchanting "70s look". Not just offering "soup", but "fresh and delicious pure organic soups made with love and pride" as is stated on their website.
That there were no happy customers when I took this photo in the village of Den Burg must be due to the fact that it wasn't near lunch time (or dinner time). Next time we will definitely try :)

Texel Schapenboet

A 'schapenboet' is a typical Texel sheep barn, though they have never been used to keep sheep inside (for this they were too small) but only to store hay and other sheep food. The barns are located on a piece of land on some distance from the farms. The shape of the roof is called a 'saddle roof', which is bevelled on one side.

The schapenboet on the photo dates from the 19th century and is located just outside De Koog village, upon entering the Slufter nature area. The barn was renovated and registered as a local monument. It is now in use as an official and original -typical Texel- wedding location; inside is room for 40-50 people.

Coffee time

Enjoying coffee and lemon-cheesecake sitting in the gardens of the estate 'Landgoed De Bonte Belevenis', near Den Hoorn on the island of Texel.

Love Rock

Somehow I have a hard time understanding people who feel the need to carve their names (added by a date and/or a heart, or 'I was here' for instance) on trees or benches, or write on rocks, or wherever. On this boulder however everyone is invited to "Write down the name of your beloved on this stone".
Well..feel welcome! :)

You can find this stone when you park your car near the lighthouse on the northern tip of Texel, and then walk to the entrance of the beach. Apparently it's also a kind of memorial stone, as the last line is "For Louise van der Sluis, 24 November 2010".

Rainbow lorikeet

 My husband took this photo of a 'Regenbooglori' (Rainbow lorikeet) at 'Eureka Texel - Orchideeën & Vogelbush' , an orchid and birdbush on the island of Texel.

I'm linking to Saturday's Critters on Eileen's blog.

Artichoke flower

I know artichoke is a vegetable (don't think I ever tasted one though..), but I surely didn't know that the artichoke grows beautiful flowers! I was really amazed :)
Photo made last weekend in the gardens of the estate 'Landgoed De Bonte Belevenis' on the island of Texel.

I'm linking to Floral Friday Fotos and Today's Flowers.

Eyelashes

This car was parked near our appartment in De Koog (Texel). Not totally unique, but it still brought a smile on my face :)
I blurred the licence plate for privacy reasons..

Directions

 At the top of the North Sea beach near De Koog village, on the island of Texel. The signs (mainly) point to a number of beach restaurants.

I'm linking to signs, signs.

Fruit jam for sale

For sale along the road in De Koog, a Texel village: fruit jam ('vruchtenjam' in Dutch), for instance jam made from blueberries + grapes. (in Dutch: 'blauwe bessen + druiven')

And it's all home-made!

I'm linking to Seasons.

Texel beach

 We spent the past few days on the Dutch island of Texel, hence the blogging break :) This photo was taken yesterday at the North Sea Beach, just south of the Slufter Nature Area.

Church door

An old wooden church door in Den Burg, the main village on the island of Texel. Note the small extra door..

Art from trash

This fish is part of the exhibition in Ecomare (see also yesterday's post) and was carefully constructed by using all kinds of trash found in the sea and on the beach; tin cans, lids, rope, plastic etc etc.
I think it's a nice idea to create things like this as it really sets you thinking...

Ecomare's objective is enlarging the public interest for the preservation and recovery of nature and cultural values (landscapes, ecosystem, species) in the wadden region and the North Sea, with an emphasis on Texel.

Temporary receptable

"For sick and wounded birds when Ecomare is closed. The birds are able to rest in the dark. The receptable is regularly checked by the animal caretakers."

This box can be found along the entrance way to 'Ecomare': a nature museum, seal sanctuary, sea aquarium and a bird sanctuary located in the National Park Dunes of Texel. It's a place we like to visit to each time we stay on the island.
The box was empty by the way..


Linking to signs, signs.

Texel lighthouse

A photo from several weeks ago, taken on the sunny beach of Texel.

Exception

This orange bicycle with flowers in Den Burg (Texel) was advertising for a fashion shop, and it was parked in front of a house with a fence and a sign that clearly said: 'GEEN FIETSEN PLAATSEN' ('NO PARKING OF BICYCLES'). I guess the exception proves the rule..

For more signs around the world go to signs, signs.

Sinterklaas tradition

If you´re in the Netherlands at the moment, you won't be able to miss Sinterklaas and his 'Zwarte Pieten' assistents! Even though all the towns and cities are getting ready for Christmas with all kinds of decorations, the celebration of Sinterklaas and the giving of gifts on 5 December comes first.

We happened to "catch" Sinterklaas alone with one of his Zwarte Pieten preparing for a parade through the streets of Den Burg on the island of Texel, 2 weeks ago. They were slowly walking several rounds on the parking lot; apparently Sinterklaas had to get used to riding the white horse...  Earlier that day they arrived by boat in the small harbour of Oudeschild.
The three of them were happy to be photographed on this private moment, even the horse -called 'Amerigo' according to the tradition- seemed to look in the camera ;)

If you would like to read more about this tradition in our country click HERE.