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Amsterdam, Holland

May 22, 2017 Leave a comment
​Amsterdam is the capital of Holland, my birth country.  The city originates back to the 12th century, and was the seat of the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.  It is built on wooden pillings along the many canals, which contain the many gabled houses of the rich of that era.  Many buildings have a decided lean because of the settling soil and water table.  Now, it still houses international corporations, and many wealthy individuals live alongside the canals— ans some in houseboats.

Famous Amsterdam residents include Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Spinoza and diarist Anne Frank. The city houses the world’s oldest stock market, has significant museums and cultural attractions, and a world famous concert hall.  It is also well known for its red light district and cannabis coffee shops.  It draws some 5 million visitors annualy.

We visited the the newly rebuilt Rijksmuseum, home of many famous paintings and artworks.  We toured the streets in a hop on hop off bus, and the canals via boat.   It’s a great place to visit, everything is accessible.  But be prepared to share everything with huge crowds… the city is very popular.

Amsterdam’s central rail station, from here you can get anywhere
Getting ready to board one of the many canal tour boats
The Damskade, heavily populated by tourists
Some of the oldest buildings and church
Part of the original Amsterdam harbor
This tower was built in the 16th Century to protect the local banks and harbor.
Yes, this building is leaning
Bridges and houseboats
Church view over the canals
Another canal view
Old canals, old buildings
Bicycles and canals… how Dutch can you get?
More old gabled buildings
Some of the fancy gabled buildings along the Keizersgragt
One of the many churches
Varied building styles
Rijksmuseum, home of many Dutch Masters
The famous “Night Watch” by Rembrandt
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