I kicked off summer with a quick trip to Amsterdam. I needed a break. Amsterdam needed another tourist.
Besides inhaling great quantities of “legal” marijuana as I passed the Seed Stores, I made all the tourist stops I could. I walked most of the city, enjoying the canals and the beauty of a culture that doesn’t believe in tearing down it’s cultural heritage to make room for progress. Look at the angle on these houses–a death defying tilt that made me move slightly faster as their shadow fell over me.
Amsterdam’s built on a bog and some of the houses date from the 1500’s. They may tilt, but they’re still there on wooden pilings that were rammed into the sand and peat centuries ago.
The biggest danger for a tourist is to step into a bike lane by accident. Amsterdam has over 400, 000 registered bikes; that’s more than half the population of the city.
Rembrandt and Van Gogh museums take your breath away–at least they did mine. In their relatively short lives these artists gave the world some of the finest paintings it will ever have.
Below is just a glimpse of the Rijksmuseum. It’s under construction right now, so only a part is open. And just as well. It’s huge, with over a million pieces art and other objects under the roof.
It’s a vibrant city with liberal attitudes brushing up against conservative, traditions of church.
Below, left: I loved this sign ( the blue letters across the top) in English on the right and Dutch on the left. It reads, “Jesus Loves You. The building stands at the beginning of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. Off to the left, you can see the two spires of the Church of St. Nicholas. It summed up the city for me.
I stumbled onto a ribbon cutting for a new bar and waited to see what all the excitement was about. A carriage arrived with this fine person who sang, then cut the ribbon and entered as the first customer.
Donna says
I loved the way you began the post with "… I need a break.Amsterdam needed another tourist." The pictures are wonderful. They are breathtaking. Thank you for sharing. I just returned from NY but I am wanting to say the same. I posted stories and pics from my trip. Donna
http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com
Margo Berendsen says
I really enjoyed this tour through Amsterdam! I love the tilting houses and mansions built inches from the water.
Leslie Rose says
Oh, the pictures are stunning. It gives me the travel itch. I got the chills when you talked about the Anne Frank house. I love being in places where you feel as if you are absorbing history just by being there.
khashway says
What great pictures! I would love to go to the Anne Frank house. I'd cry my eyes out but it would be worth the experience.
Lisa Gail Green says
I'm jealous. My hubby went to Amsterdam years ago for work, but I couldn't go with him. 🙁 I would love to one day. It sounds/looks so… inspiring!
Hywela Lyn says
First of all thanks for visiting my blog – I'm returning the favour and love the pictures of Amsterdam. I live a lot closer to it than you do but have never been there, it looks fascinating.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Trips away are great and they are necessary. But I'm a Dorothy kind of girl and there's no place like home. Thank you all for the visit here. I always appreciate your comments.
DazyDayWriter says
Loved this Lee —
" … standing in front of sunflowers that Van Gogh had loved and brought to life on canvass. So much to feel and so much to remember."
Van Gogh's starry night … also one of my favorite paintings.
Glad you had a safe and joyful journey across the pond!
Paula Martin says
Great to see your photos of Amsterdam. I had exactly the same thoughts in the Anne Frank House when I heard the bells from the Westertoren.
LynNerd says
Wow, what a great way to kick off the summer! Such a wonderful trip. It would choke me up to see Anne Frank's house. All those tilting buildings are crazy. I had no idea the city was built on a bog. That is truly mind boggling! Haha! My newest book (co-authored) takes place in a haunted bog. To think of a city being built on one, well, I still can't get over that!
Also, I've learned that I need to cut & paste some people's URL's into my Google Reader so I'll be able to receive their posts! Doing that now with yours. Take care.
Marcia says
Wow, that's quite the "quick trip" destination. Love the photos. I'm always in awe of how much history Europe has.
Dana says
Lovely photos! Sounds like a great trip.
MG Higgins says
Just a "quick trip" to Amsterdam, eh? 🙂 Interesting tidbits about the city and wonderful photos. I'd love to visit there someday. (Those leaning buildings are a bit scary. My old house doesn't seem so dilapidated in comparison.)