Live Without Dead Time: The Streets of Amsterdam
Publication date: 2009
Chartered in 1300 A.D., Amsterdam was the wealthiest city in the world in the 17th century. That's when they started building the system of concentric canals that define the town center and stoke its easy-going social life. Some were later filled in to create streets or squares.
The city is an intoxicating jumble of old and new, a place where street art, sex shops and cannabis cafes coexist with world-class art museums, well-preserved Golden Age architecture and traditional bruine kroeg (brown cafes).
A feeling of casual tolerance prevails, due in part, maybe, to the fact that Amsterdam is home to people of 177 nationalities – the most of any city in the world.
And then there are the bikes. Everywhere bikes. "The most Dutch of all vehicles," it has been said. Our canal boat tour guide tells us that there are more bicycles here than people. And quite possibly the most excellent collection of custom retro two-wheelers to be seen in one spot anywhere on the planet.
The city is an intoxicating jumble of old and new, a place where street art, sex shops and cannabis cafes coexist with world-class art museums, well-preserved Golden Age architecture and traditional bruine kroeg (brown cafes).
A feeling of casual tolerance prevails, due in part, maybe, to the fact that Amsterdam is home to people of 177 nationalities – the most of any city in the world.
And then there are the bikes. Everywhere bikes. "The most Dutch of all vehicles," it has been said. Our canal boat tour guide tells us that there are more bicycles here than people. And quite possibly the most excellent collection of custom retro two-wheelers to be seen in one spot anywhere on the planet.
Words, photos, music and film by Mike Starling. Soundtrack music "Sophie & Boscho" composed and performed by Starling. Published by Bean Hoy Music (BMI). Recorded and mixed by Starling at Chateau Doré, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Coal Bin Sound, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Mastered by Brett Huus at Sound Strations, La Crosse.
Mike Starling's original music is heard on numerous recordings and soundtracks, and his stories and photos have been featured in books, films, mags and other media.
starlingarchive.weebly.com is the authorized website for samples of published work by the Wisconsin-based writer, editor, artist and producer Mike Starling. Starling on assignment in Ireland photo by J. Winke. All other photography, music and book excerpt on this web page by Mike Starling. Music published by Bean Hoy Music (BMI). Website developed and managed by Nine Volt Media ©MMX-MMXX all rights reserved.
