Amsterdam – where I live – is known for its sweeping canals. Romantic though they may be, there is another side to the story: the countless drownings that happen each year. There are many causes – crime, people falling through the ice in winter – but the classic drowning involves a man – often a tourist – found dead in the water with his flies open. Why? Because he was attempting to pee into the canal while under the influence, then lost his balance and, sadly, that was that.

© www.anniewrightphotography.com, the floral tribute was for a 65-year-old, whose body was found several days ago.