Rotterdam -

The River Maas supports a rich and constantly changing mix of water traffic, making it an especially compelling subject for observation while spending time in Rotterdam. Massive inland cargo barges glide past carrying containers, bulk goods, and fuel between the port and the European hinterland, while sleek seagoing vessels move steadily toward the North Sea. Interwoven with this heavy commerce are fast water taxis, commuter ferries, harbour service boats, and occasional river cruise ships, all sharing the same working waterway. Smaller tugs, pilot boats, and maintenance craft add further layers of movement, scale, and purpose. Together, this variety reflects Rotterdam’s identity as a living port city, where daily life, global trade, and river dynamics intersect in a continuous, visually engaging flow. I love taking a water taxi! Sadly, I don't have many images to show the water traffic.

An amphibious bus that looks as though it is sinking

The view from the Fenix Museum in Rotterdam looks out across the River Maas and captures the city in constant motion. From this vantage point, the broad sweep of the river reveals a measured choreography of passing barges, water taxis, and working harbour vessels, set against the crisp silhouettes of bridges, cranes, and modern towers lining the opposite bank. Light continually shifts as clouds drift overhead, casting steel blues and silvery greys across the water and softening the industrial forms. Historic port buildings sit comfortably beside contemporary architecture, underscoring Rotterdam’s layered identity as a harbour city shaped by both labour and design. Cutting decisively through the scene is the Erasmus Bridge, a striking white arc designed by Ben van Berkel, whose elegant profile anchors the view and symbolises the city’s confidence in renewal and movement. Near the river’s edge stands the Hotel New York, surrounded by tall skyscrapers yet firmly rooted in the past; once the headquarters of the Holland America Line, it served as a departure point for thousands of emigrants bound for North America, lending the modern skyline a quiet sense of memory and human history.

Rotterdam

The 800-meter-long Erasmus Bridge links the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. Spanning the River Maas, this elegant suspension bridge is defined by its 139-meter-high steel pylon, supported by 40 cables. The distinctive, sweeping form of the pylon has earned the bridge its affectionate nickname, The Swan. Today, the Erasmus Bridge stands as the unmistakable architectural icon of Rotterdam.  The Dutch UNStudio co-founder and designer of the Erasmus Bridge decided to be an architect 'on the spot' when he first saw the Katsura Imperial Villa in Japan, aged 2.  He was only 34 when we won a major project in Rotterdam for the Erasmus Bridge (1996).

Christmas Day Fell Walk

Deborah, Ken, and I parked near Asham and walked to Arthur's Pike via Pooley Bridge.  The route is a well-marked track with steep sections and two stream crossings, passing cairns and reaching an elevation of 309m. The total Distance: 8.8 km - Length: 2 hours. Mr Wainwright stated, “Arthur’s Pike is the northerly termination of the long High Street range, and like the northerly termination of the parallel Helvellyn range, it contrasts with the usual Lakeland fell structure by exhibiting its crags to the afternoon sun; the northern and eastern slopes, which are commonly roughest, are without rock.” 

Arthur's: This part of the name is widely believed to be derived from the legend of King Arthur, whose tales are strongly associated with the Cumbrian area. Nearby locations such as Penrith's "Arthur's Round Table" henge and Pendragon Castle (said to be built by Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon) fuel the connection. The fell may have been named after a person named Arthur, but the King Arthur association is the prevailing local legend.

Arthur's Pike is a Wainwright fell, documented in Alfred Wainwright's "The Far Eastern Fells," offering lovely views over Ullswater and a part of the ridge from Loadpot Hill. It's a popular spot for hikers, often combined with Bonscale Pike for a rewarding fell walk.  

It was a superb walk for Christmas Day, thank you, Deborah.