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Published: October 23rd 2008
Unfortunately with time running out, our Dutch experience was limited to a night out and a day in Amsterdam. We really are doing the Contiki tour now…no time to stop and smell the tulips for us!
We arrived in Amsterdam early afternoon and checked into a camping ground on the outskirts of the city. The city of Amsterdam is very bike-friendly, actually bikes rule the roads really, and we found getting around town on our bikes very easy and quick.
Went into town on the first night for a night out for two. Visited a coffee shop early in the evening and spent the next three hours wandering around lost as all streets seemed to look the same and our sense of direction was somewhat skewed. We’re sure Amsterdam was purpose built for the legalisation of marijuana; streets where the houses all look the same, a system of canals that doesn’t seem to have a regular pattern (and they all look the same) and lots of curvy streets. We weren’t the only ones lost! The locals probably grab themselves a beer (or joint or muffin) and watch the tourists from their windows; bleary-eyed and arguing about when they last
Bikes and boats
Best form of transportcrossed this canal and which way the chip shop is.
A wander through the Red Light district proved interesting and we weren’t sure whether to be amazed, sad, repulsed or amused by the girls standing in their windows advertising their stuff.
The next day we visited the Van Gogh museum to see the largest collection of his artworks. It was interesting to follow his art through different periods of his life and learn more about the man and his tumultuous life. We enjoyed some time people watching, and wandering around the canals before visiting Anne Frank Haus. This great museum was located in the house that the Franks hid in during WWII and we were able to wander through the secret back part of the house entering through their original bookshelf. A very moving interview with Otto Frank, Anne’s father and the only one to survive, was shown at the end of the exhibition and served as a reminder of just how horrific the Holocaust was. Definitely a must-see for any visit to Amsterdam.
We sadly left the rest of the reclaimed Dutch soil behind after only two days to head for Belgium and the last country
on our Europe tour. So many places to come back to one day…….
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