Is Skating in the Netherlands Still a National Pastime?

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The discussion centers around the historical context of ice skating in the Netherlands, referencing the 80-year war between Spain and the Dutch Republic, where the Dutch surprised the Spanish with their skating abilities on ice. This historical skill has persisted into modern times, as evidenced by recent photos showcasing the Dutch skating culture during a period of sub-zero temperatures. Participants express excitement about the potential for an Elfstedentocht, a famous long-distance ice skating event. The conversation also touches on the beauty of ice skating in the Netherlands, with comparisons made between historical paintings and contemporary photographs, particularly in Zwolle, where smooth ice conditions are attributed to canals rather than rivers. The nostalgic connection to the past and the enjoyment of skating are prominent themes in the discussion.
Andre
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In the 80-year war between Spain and the Dutch republic the Spanish were surprized by the Dutch miracoulously moving over the ice at great speed while they themselves struggled and falling on the slippery ice. Also there were the winter painters registering that unusual ability to move around on the ice on skates:

brueghelelderskatersbirdtrap.jpg


400-500 years later, not a lot has changed. This is what the Dutch do today (pictures made yesterday):

r89x8z.jpg


11l7vk1.jpg


2z3ovux.jpg


awaxj4.jpg


34o7tib.jpg
 
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It's actually very cool (no pun intended, but noticed).
One week of sub-zero temperatures and the whole country is going mad :)
Even at the hint of thinking about prospects of an Elfstedentocht :)
 
That looks like some nice ice to skate on, it has been a while since I've had my ice skates on.
 
I don't do well on ice skates. The last time I had them on, the northern parts of the US got a feel for the southern parts of me.
 
What a lovely painting, and really nice photos. I enjoy skating very much, our rivers don't seem to freeze that smoothly.
 
Nobody noticing that the little girl in red is still at the same place after 500 years?
 
Nah, she looks much younger.
 
Borek said:
Nah, she looks much younger.


Right, her name is Dorianna Gray. :wink:
 
That means she was nice for all of the time.
 
  • #10
Do the painting and the photo depict the same geographical site? Hypatia: I don't think it is a river, but a canal (which would explain the smooth ice, together with the current absence of strong winds).
 
  • #11
I never skated in The Netherlands, but I spent many hours skating in Iceland.
http://www.zamboni.com/movies/CNN_ICELAND.wmv
 
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  • #12
Monique said:
Do the painting and the photo depict the same geographical site? Hypatia: I don't think it is a river, but a canal (which would explain the smooth ice, together with the current absence of strong winds).

It's not, Monique; It's De Dobbe in Zwolle, a big pond.
 
  • #13
Andre said:
It's not, Monique; It's De Dobbe in Zwolle, a big pond.

I saw those pictures and i thought... that looks like Zwolle, but it can't be! I grew up there, don't live there anymore, though. Nice pictures.
 
  • #14
Absolutely beautiful, the echos of the past come through so clear. Wonderful, really nice!
 

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