Utrecht West lies on the other side of the railroad. Paying a visit to Lombok
however, is like traveling to exotic far-away places. Then the wood saw mill
and the Nederlands Muntmuseum (Dutch Coin Museum) remind you that you are still
in the Netherlands. You can also enjoy an invigorating walk in park Oog in Al.
LOMBOK Today,
Lombok is seen as a good example of how different ethnic cultures can thrive
alongside each other and in harmony in a multicultural district. The Kanaalstraat
and the Damstraat are the heart of this district. Life follows the rhythm of
the streets in the busy clutter of Lombok. Car drivers pull up in the middle
of the road to greet their friends. Hands are shaken and the latest news is
exchanged.
PERMANENT MARKET Crates of vegetables and fruit are
stacked up on display as if there was a permanent market, surrounded by old
Turkish men, students and groups of Armenian and Somali women busily talking
to each other while selecting the choicest oranges, zucchini and avocados. A
little further on in Lombok, on the Groeneweg, women can treat themselves to
a relaxing visit to the Hamam, the Turkish baths. vSALAAM LOMBOK Salaam
Lombok, a street market where goods are displayed out on the street, is held
twice a year. This is a huge open-air bazaar where the entire population of
Utrecht saunters past the stalls, buying something here, tasting something there,
pausing a moment to listen or to admire the sights. Visitors are entertained
by live bands and street acts, like line dancing, and can also experience how
a Moroccan wedding is celebrated.
DE STER SAWMILL The De Ster
sawmill, which was renovated just recently, is a working monument, where wood
is still sawed when the wind allows. A variety of cultural activities are organized
here and there are educational displays devoted to wood and sustainable energy.
NEDERLANDS MUNTMUSEUM With the introduction of the Euro, the
collection of coins on display in the Nederlands Muntmuseum, located in this
district on the opposite side of the Leidsche Rijn, has become even more valuable.
This museum is housed in the building of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (Royal
Dutch Mint). Standing at the corner of the embankment close to the Munt reveals
a wonderful view down the canal with its locks and drawbridges. Crossing over
the canal here brings you to park Oog in Al for a quiet walk. |