Eindhoven Is A Lovely Place

The city of Eindhoven is 127km (78 miles) south east of Amsterdam. It should be an hour and a half drive, but traffic congestion generally means a two and a half hour drive.

Although some might disagree, Eindhoven's main claim to fame is that it is home to Philips, one of Holland's leading companies, and much of the city's development is due to their presence. There's a fascinating museum in the city centre, where many of Philips' innovative products are proudly displayed, with quite an emphasis placed on early electric light bulbs.

The city itself is a thriving place, with the centre having been characteristically thoughtfully developed into a fashionable pedestrian retail shopping venue, with a smattering of equally smart restaurants.

Hi-tech and professional businesses abound, and no doubt accounts for the The Piazza is one of the latest shopping centres to open in Eindhoven. It's a very striking place, comprising a semi-enclosed, semi-open-air building.

Today, in the pouring rain, the centre of Eindhoven was teaming with activity, and the sheltered Piazza was one of the busier places.

The third floor of the Piazza affords a commanding view south to the centre of the city and the throngs of wet shoppers making their way to fulfill their Christmas shopping needs. There's no shortage of choice in Eindhoven, with almost every retailer represented here.















And it was a rainy day in Eindhoven...