Amsterdam was a relief after leaving London. Although we traveled in the “off season” (October) London had crowds of tourists that gathered at the traditional tourist spots making photographing and access seem like shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Using public transportation was easy in Amsterdam although we chose to walk since the city was not that large. WARNING! – when walking watch out for bicycles. The Dutch primary mode of transportation is the bicycle and as you cross the street look ahead, behind, left and right. There is a saying “If you have not been hit by a bicycle, you haven’t been in Amsterdam.” Fortunately, we escaped without being hit by a bicycle. Recently an underground parking garage for 20,000 bicycles just opened. NOTE: a favorite sport in Amsterdam is throwing bicycles into the canals – hence the preferred bicycle is the oldest and least expensive. Many do not have brakes.
We opted for a tour of the Red Light District. Our guide warned us not to take pictures. We did see a person take a picture and he was immediately met with a barrage of beer cans and cuss words.
Another historic attraction in Amsterdam is the Ann Frank house. The Anne Frank House is a museum with a story. As a visitor, you experience this story through quotes, photos, videos, and original items. The atmosphere in the museum is authentic and subdued. For more information click here.
The Burger Bar served up the best hamburger I can remember. You choose the burger size and watch the meat weighed before fried and placed on your choice of bun with your choice of toppings. You French fries call for another decision – truffle sauce, ketchup or a long list of other toppings. After trying the Angus burger we splurged and had the Waygu beef burger – it was worth the cost.
Of course take a boat ride on the canals and visit the Ann Frank house. Don’t forget to look at the leaning buildings. Constructed on clay that is softened by the water, buildings several hundred years old tend to lean.
Take a boat ride around the canals
Bicycles are the favorite mode of transportation.
Not the camera – the buildings lean
The Ann Frank House where Ann Frank wrote her diary while hiding from the Nazis. For more information click here..
Before neon signs – advertising
