"Rotterdam, the worlds largest port" a Rotterdam Travel Page by ATLC

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This is my favourite Dutch city. This is purely personal. It isn't the most beautiful but it is vibrant, down-to-earth, and I have worked here since 1990.

On July 21st 2004, the Queen Mary 2 docked for one day in the harbour in central Rotterdam. Which attraced thousands of spectators and threw city traffic into chaos!
Hotel New York (the low, old building on the right) used to be the headquarters of the Holland-America Line. The highrise next to it wasn't even there 10 years ago.
Compared to these buildings you can truly appreciate the size of the ship.

For architecture lovers, I've added 24 tips under Off The Beaten Path about the Sonneveld house, built between 1929-1933 which will amaze you with its modern 21st century style.

Rotterdam holds something special for me. Not only have I worked there since 1990, but I also left Rotterdam on a world trip to New Zealand by boat. But that was about 35 years ago and our actual cruiseship was waiting for us in Southampton (UK). I still remember though, the smell and busy atmosphere of people leaving and saying goodbye. In those days one did rarely return if one emigrated to far away!

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS 2008

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More Festivals in 2008 in Rotterdam can be found in my Nightlife tips.
Some tips still need updating but as the dates for 2008 become known, I'll add the info.

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Golden Age Masters, heyday of Dutch painting, exhibition until May 18, 2008
Location: Kunsthal. How to get there: metro Leuvehaven, 5 minute walk along Vasteland.
For information in English, click here. Or go to www.kunsthal.nl

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Free Lunch Concert Wednesday May 28, 2008 at 12.45 hrs
Conductor: James Gaffigan, Petroesjka (1911) by Stravinsky in the Doelen Concert Hall by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Free popfestival Sunday July 6, 2008
The Metropolis Festival has its 20th edition this year in the Zuiderpark Rotterdam. And its free! More info. Easy access by Metro Zuidplein, then follow the crowd :-)

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Have fun!

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To be honest, I do not even like football. But it is a big thing in our country. So I am also a Feyenoord fan when I have to be. Or Sparta. Both Rotterdam football clubs.

In my Sports travel tip, you'll find the full season of Feyenoord 2007-2008.

PHOTOS: Edgar Davids, Dutch star football player on the building of the Nationale Nederlanden (insurance company world wide) during EURO 2000.

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