In honor of “The Order of Time” – of which the main message is in fact there is no order of time, I will post these in the reverse order of my trip. Carlo Rovelli brings the ideas of time into the realm of poetry and brings into question all constructs of how we consider our place in space and time. The city of Alkmaar is a perfect example of how in one small place we can feel through it’s density of history how our changing principles are reflected in the most important artifact we leave behind- that which is built.
Dating all the way back to the 1500s, there is a exemplary display of human physical capacity (not machine or computer enabled) in the construction of through brick material.
Wander around- forget the cheese market (end up there if you may- though across the water there is a bench with a surprise if you can find it)- walk down Oudegracht and along the greenway next to Singelgracht (see windmill above) and through any small residential street.
There are so many details not to miss. As always, be sure to look up- many notes embedded in the brick and the rooflines are a speciality in this town.
I’ll be heading back next year- I just need more. I hope the sun will find me again there! Cannot wait.
ofallthespaces 