Gord posing by the famous "I Amsterdam" sign behind the Rijks Museum
Amsterdam - Venice of the North
There was much anticipation and an air of excitement the
next morning as we all met in our clock filled hotel lobby awaiting instructions
from our guide Keith. After a quick “buddy
check’ we followed our well informed guide in the misty rain to the train
station and back to Amsterdam. There was
so much that we hadn’t explored on our first days and Keith knew all the
history and hidden away corners ready to be discovered. A short tram ride took
us to the center of this old city. The tour of the Ann Frank House was a solemn
and thought provoking experience followed by a walk around the Jordaan area
full of rich history and picturesque neighbourhoods. A visit to a post war
orphanage and a secluded inner courtyard called the Begijnhof designed for
single women with a desire to live a righteous life were some highlights of our
morning together.
We all refuelled at an incredible buffet place called La Place. We were all completely spoiled for choice but every palate was satisfied with such variety of food choices.
Reenergized and a little rested we followed Keith to the Rijks Museum where our local guide Anne toured us around the museum. Anne told us such incredible detailed stories that brought to life the great works of artists such as Rembrandt and The Night Watch - it was such a revelation. Afterwards the sun broke through the clouds as we boarded our canal cruise boat for a laid back relaxing view of Amsterdam from the water. Some of our young tour members were quite exhausted from the detail of the Rijks Museum and thought it timely to catch up on some sleep. The Old World Charm of Europe this day was all around us. Shared car and bike lanes, bustling streets with busy locals riding bikes everywhere doing real life, inviting bakeries and cheese shops all contributed to the authentic feel of the old Europe we so longed to experience.
We all refuelled at an incredible buffet place called La Place. We were all completely spoiled for choice but every palate was satisfied with such variety of food choices.
Reenergized and a little rested we followed Keith to the Rijks Museum where our local guide Anne toured us around the museum. Anne told us such incredible detailed stories that brought to life the great works of artists such as Rembrandt and The Night Watch - it was such a revelation. Afterwards the sun broke through the clouds as we boarded our canal cruise boat for a laid back relaxing view of Amsterdam from the water. Some of our young tour members were quite exhausted from the detail of the Rijks Museum and thought it timely to catch up on some sleep. The Old World Charm of Europe this day was all around us. Shared car and bike lanes, bustling streets with busy locals riding bikes everywhere doing real life, inviting bakeries and cheese shops all contributed to the authentic feel of the old Europe we so longed to experience.
Amsterdam Highlights
Bikes....and lots of them!
Old World Charm of Amsterdam
After our brief few days in Amsterdam, our Old World Charm votes go to bikes, flowers, picturesque canals, and local cheese shops. All of these Old World Charm essentials are depicted in the photos below.