Today started off with a canal tour of Amsterdam. Our guide was the first guide in whom we were disappointed. We did learn that there are 2900 houseboats parked semi-permanently in the canals. When we got off the canal boat we had a choice to take a walking tour back to the ship. That guide was very good.
As we walked, we learned that this city of 920,000 people has over a million bikes. Estimates say that 80,000 bikes are stolen every year. 10,000 are found each year in the canals. During our walk we saw more “stumble Stones” the gold-ish little plaques in the side walks with the names of the Jews from Amsterdam lost in the Holocaust. We passed Rembrandt’s home and we learned about the East India Company and William of Orange. Our guide pointed out to us how some of the multistory buildings are tipping. We did pass two legal marijuana places and our guide pointed out where the red light district was but not much was made of these places.
After lunch we took a trip to a living history type place. The weather was laughably bad (pouring rain off and on and high winds). The park was divided into four sections, a bakery, a cheesemaking area, a windmill area and wooden shoes making area. Despite the rain and wind it was fun and educational.
That looks a lot like Holland, Michigan, including the big wooden shoes. Orange is a really important color in The Netherlands, especially with the royal family. The king is the one who strongly resembled Jon Kolb when they were both younger. The artist, Vermeer of The Girl With the Girl Earring fame is Dutch too. That was a good book if you’re looking for something to read. As always, I’m enjoying your trip. As we say in The Netherlands, Watch out for bikes!
ReplyDeleteI continue to enjoy the travelogue. Rick Steves should be worried about competion. Looks like I jinxed you with my good weather comment.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. With all the rain, the windmills must have been getting quite a workout.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us updated.