Local Expert
Marianne
Marianne backpacked in Europe long before backpacking had been invented. It was difficult to buy a backpack in those days so she used an old one found in the attic. She thumbed her way through the…
Marianne backpacked in Europe long before backpacking had been invented. It was difficult to buy a backpack in those days so she used an old one found in the attic. She thumbed her way through the British Isles and learned English at the same time. She then replaced her rucksack by a husband who insisted on carrying their two small suitcases. She kept a list of what to take. If any item hadn't been used it was crossed out. The result was that the suitcases became smaller and smaller. Once her two children were old enough she whisked them off on 'public transport' holidays in Greece, Turkey, Morocco and other Mediterranean counties. Her husband followed wherever they went, still carrying the suitcases. She doesn't drive, only rides her bicycle and takes public transport wherever she goes. Marianne is a teacher of English in higher education, which means long and frequent holidays. Pastimes include writing, editing, travelling, learning languages and photography. She now looks forward to the days when work no longer interferes with travelling.
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NEMO
Oosterdok 2, Amsterdam, Netherlands
NEMO: More Than a Museum
The interactive science museum, NEMO is only a fifteen-minute walk from Centraal Station. The building is an eye catcher and resembles a huge ship's deck This surreal green object seemingly emerging from the IJ River forms part of the entrance to the IJ tunnel. It is in stark contrast to Amsterdam's 17th and 18th centuries architecture. The Italian architect, Renzo Piano wanted to create a place that also served as viewing platform. In his opinion Amsterdam was too flat and without observation platform to view the skyline. His success is one hundred per cent. In summer the sloping roof top turns into a city beach. Many Amsterdammers and visitors crowd the platform, enjoying the sun and the view.
NEMO is a popular museum with objects that can be touched. Three floors of exhibits classified in four themes are ready to be explored; physics, technology, information technology and bio-science behaviour. Most explanations are both in Dutch and English. However, some presentations and announcements are in Dutch only. Simply ask one of the Dutch visitors to explain and he will translate for you in almost perfect English.
NEMO offers a playful way to find out the latest scientific and technological gadgets and features. The murder game is an excellent manner to discover what DNA is and how it can be used to solve crimes. A woman has met an untimely end. The visitor will have to find DNA samples and compare them to the suspect's.
The exhibit, Let's Talk about Sex is geared at teens not younger than twelve. Booths with videos showing peoples faces during orgasm, people talking freely about their first sex and instructions of what parts of the body to touch to excite one's partner are only a few of the examples in this part of the exhibition.
Less exciting but equally informative is the water exhibit showing how Amsterdam's water is purified. The Super Bank Simulation Game attracts a different crowd. It shows how to invest and gamble so that money will grow.
A visit to NEMO can easily take up one full day. It is a very popular museum. Arrive early to beat the crowds.