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Sunday, October 11, 2009

The Lighted Route in Eindhoven (Lichtjesroute)


Eindhoven was liberated on September 18th, 1944 by the Allies in World War II. The soldiers were welcomed with lamps outside their homes. Since then, every year, the citizens placed lamps along the route that the Allies took in Eindhoven to celebrate their liberation. The tradition was stopped in 1969 but was picked up again in 1984, and this year marked the 25th anniversary of the Lighted Route or the 'Lichtjesroute'.




At the pond

From 18th September - 11th October, the 22km long route is right along the bike path, making it an excellent outing in the night time. Luckily the weather God had mercy on us and it din't rain while we pedaled our way through. Right at the middle of the route is a small pond which is completely decorated with lights and has small stalls in the night with treats for the riders. We stopped to take some pictures and continued along.

Few lovey - dovey ones

Statue of Liberty and Dutch bikes

A crazy fish and wind mills ( of course!)

Honestly it wasn't the most magnificent piece of work that I have seen, but was an interesting way to tour the city in the dark hours. We met an old man on the way who waved at us from his window! :) After the chilly ride, we stopped near the station for some warm frites which tasted like heaven. A good ride with a tasty ending. :)

14 comments:

mub said...

I love cycling along the Lichtjesroute! We didn't make it this year, so I'm kinda bummed. I'd hoped to go this weekend and then I decided to crash my bike and didn't think I wanted to cycle 22km with a sore knee and shoulder *L* I'm such a wimp!

thamarai said...

Ah! thats too bad..I did read about the 'ongeluk' in your blog. I hope you feel better soon.

Unknown said...

Excellent, thamarai! What a nice tradition, really! I had never heard of the "Lichtjesroute". It must have been fun despite the chilly weather and what can be more Dutch than stopping for "fritjes" at the end of the route? :)

~ Lopa said...

awww, wow... it might not be magnificant but it looks so beautiful !
It must have been a nice walk ! :)

thamarai said...

Aledys, Thanks, the trip was really fun...:) and I was happy to find a tradition quite unique here in Eindhoven...:) (as far as I know!)

Lopa, if I had walked thats it! At my speed I would have only made it till the end of the street..;)..We biked..and thanks...I did take some efforts on taking decent pictures with my 1942 wala camera..:)

karthik said...

hey nice. the snaps, a lil bit of history made this post a nice one. and warm fries on a chilly night, ah, nice finish :-)

vinaya said...

ur pics. make me feel more bad for having missed it :(

thamarai said...

karthik, Thanks..:)

Vinaya, ya, I know..but perhaps next year...:).

Unknown said...

wotta coincidence that it comes rite in time during festival of lights!
HAPPY DIWALI Viji;)

thamarai said...

thanks Akhi! Happppppppppppyyy Diwali to you too!! :)

Unknown said...

Great night pictures! I love light shows at night, and I'll keep this in mind for if I am ever near Eindhoven at this time of year :-)

thamarai said...

Isabella, yes, I am sure you will enjoy the ride..:)

Presépio no Canal said...

Hello Thamarai :)

I had never heard about it! So nice and with an important meaning :) I will keep it on my mind. I never been in Eindhoven, so it will be nice to know the city during this Light Festival...next year, because I only see it now, here in your blog :)

Thank you :)

Sandra

thamarai said...

Presépio no Canal, thanks for visiting my blog! thanks for the comments! I hope you will enjoy it next year! :)

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