Rotterdam

Rotterdam is quite unique in Holland and perhaps in the world. It was almost completely destroyed in World War Two. When Hitler decided to take Holland, he chose one city to bomb out of existence. After Rotterdam virtually ceased to exist, the government capitulated and the royal family fled to Canada. 

Other than a small undamaged neighbourhood, the city had to be rebuilt from scratch. The result is a very modern city with a touch of antiquity still standing.

The canals are very shallow and the canal boats are flat-bottomed. For stability, they are equipped with large paddle stabilizers which are deployed when necessary.

There still are a few old neighbourhoods.

This is an Art Museum and it is nicknamed "The Ikea Bowl".

The statue is called "The Destroyed City" and it commemorates the Nazi bombing.

This is a community in the centre of town called "The Cube Houses".

The interior of the Market Hall is full of stalls. On the sides and over the top are apartments.

On the inside, the walls and ceiling are painted with images of food and flowers.