We couldn’t quite believe what were seeing when we spotted this sign in the centre of Amsterdam.
Yes, it means “Don’t piss in the wind”……excellent advice.
It stands above what used to be a prison.
Here it is again, in case you missed it the first time.
It is time for me to go back to Italy and Jim to return to Brisbane. We loved Amsterdam. The people are very good looking, friendly and extremely helpful. I will return!
There will be more on Amsterdam later on. In the meantime take a look at Richard Tulloch’s blog, for an insider’s view of Amsterdam, and other great stuff. Click here to go to Richard Tulloch’s Life on the road.
Wow, these are great shots! =)
By: ishooteditnblog on May 21, 2012
at 12:26 pm
Hilarious Debra. But sage advice all the same! Sounds like you’ll miss the Dutch sense of humour amongst other things. Jx
By: janinevasta on May 21, 2012
at 12:41 pm
We found everybody to be open and friendly, a bit like Australians.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 21, 2012
at 1:29 pm
Your photos, as ever, are marvellous. Thinking of Amsterdam next year – any advice on where to stay? Really looking forward to our trip to Bagni di Lucca in a few week’s time. Pauline A
By: pauline6941 on May 21, 2012
at 12:51 pm
We stayed at an apartment belonging to a friend, so I am afraid I can offer no advice, except just go. It’s great!
By: Debra Kolkka on May 21, 2012
at 1:28 pm
Hi..Amsterdam is pretty small so anywhere within the canal belt is handy for walking. The neighborhood of The Jordaan, in my opinion, is the prettiest. We always stay in De Pijp, just outside the main canal belt, but withing easy walking distance. The Museum District is good, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are noisy, and the Old Centre is probably best avoided.
By: BonMinou on May 27, 2012
at 11:38 am
We loved Amsterdam and went to the places you suggested. We stayed at the end of Vondel Park and walked through this beautiful place a couple of times. The old centre was crowded, but it was interesting. There will be more posts on Amsterdam over the next few weeks.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 27, 2012
at 7:36 pm
Hi Debra, I am glad you loved Amsterdam; it is one of my favorite cities! I was trying to reply to pauline6941 as to where to stay as we spent lots of time researching that before our stay there. Am looking forward to your upcoming posts. (I have to go find that arch next time I am there!)
Like you blog a lot!
Minou
By: BonMinou on May 28, 2012
at 10:03 pm
Amsterdam was a complete surprise. I didn’t really know what to expect, but we loved it. Thank you for your kind comments.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 29, 2012
at 4:31 am
Now that’s funny! The location?
By: aFrankAngle on May 21, 2012
at 1:05 pm
It is near the museum quarter, near the centre.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 21, 2012
at 1:27 pm
If I can read the sign properly and my Latin is not too rusty, it says “Homo sapiens non urinat in ventum” which translates as “The wise man does not urinate in the wind”, meaning only idiots do so….. In any case, I age that it is most interesting and unusual.
By: mulino dominillo on May 21, 2012
at 1:18 pm
It is excellent advice, and quite unexpected.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 21, 2012
at 1:30 pm
I am still trying to work out the irony of that sign, above a prison.. what a fantastic message.. and very male!! c
By: ceciliag on May 21, 2012
at 2:05 pm
I’m not sure how it works either, but it is a good conversation piece.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 21, 2012
at 2:52 pm
Thanks for spotting the sign, for enjoying Amsterdam, and for plugging my blog! Blogerius sapiens semper pingbackus appreciat.
By: Richard Tulloch on May 21, 2012
at 2:05 pm
What a marvellous scholar you are Richard, you know Latin so well.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 21, 2012
at 2:51 pm
I’m so happy you explored Amsterdam! We felt one week was not enough. Like you, we found the people friendly and helpful, the coffee, the food (especially the cheeses) delicious and the canals beautiful, especially at night. The other places were just as interesting – Vollendam, Alkmaar, Haarlem and so forth. Of course, you must return!
By: Sandra H on May 21, 2012
at 3:31 pm
A week is definitely not enough for Amsterdam. I would love to go back and see more.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 22, 2012
at 9:53 am
Ooh I was just in Amsterdam today! What a beautiful city! 😀 Looking forward to seeing your post 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on May 21, 2012
at 6:03 pm
Amsterdam is a great city. There will be more posts on it in the next few weeks
By: Debra Kolkka on May 22, 2012
at 9:54 am
What a strange sign. What do you make of it? At any rate, have a safe trip back to Italy. I look forward to checking out Richard’s blog.
Hugs,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on May 21, 2012
at 8:33 pm
I have no idea what to make of the sign, or why it is there, but I thought it was interesting. I’m sure you will like Richard’s blog. He writes very well and has a wonderful sense of humor.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 22, 2012
at 9:56 am
Too funny! Safe travels and happy furniture shopping!
By: Karen Overton on May 22, 2012
at 4:57 am
Thank you. I am looking forward to furnishing the house.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 22, 2012
at 9:56 am
Maybe just maybe any thing goes when it’s written in Latin. Safe journey back to Italy.
By: Just Add Attitude on May 22, 2012
at 5:56 pm
I can’t believe I missed seeing that! Awesome find 🙂
By: twoblackdoggies on May 23, 2012
at 9:49 am
Maybe it means turn around and go with the flow. It is similar to the (reputedly) Chinese proverb, “He who pisses into the wind gets wet knees”
By: Colin on May 23, 2012
at 10:41 am
LOL!
By: Jennifer Avventura on May 23, 2012
at 11:28 am
Intense!
By: linneabylinneanilsson on May 25, 2012
at 2:35 am
I love that it is there for all the world to see.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 26, 2012
at 5:36 am
Isn’t it ‘pee in the wind’ mean be brave and take your chances? That’s what how I interpret it all along. I say ‘piss in the wind’. But, I also believe that every sayings and motto have its contradicting negative side.
You really have a good eye to some of the interesting details to places you go to, Debra.
By: rommel on May 26, 2012
at 10:17 pm
Only the brave would piss into the wind.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 27, 2012
at 9:40 am
Reblogged this on Such Is Life and commented:
I was told about this monument in Amsterdam this morning and right enough there it is… Homo Sapiens Non Urinat In Ventum…”Don’t Piss Into the Wind!” Wise words indeed.
By: newbon on February 4, 2013
at 5:16 pm