When your gloriously sunshiny, crisp, spring day in Amsterdam begins at 10:30 AM with a canal cruise while sipping chardonnay you just KNOW it's going to be a good one! The arched brick bridges and whimsical variety of boats are magical from water level and the beauty of this city as it begins to burst into spring is stunning. "Every way you look is another photographic moment," exclaimed Kent as he gave his Canon a workout.
We were piloted through the Brouwersgracht, the Kreitzergracht, the Prinsengracht, and "our own" Herengracht - our hotel's on this one and we've rather claimed it. Just a couple of days ago we couldn't read or pronounce and definitely couldn't locate these waterways (including our own!), yet by the end of today's cruise and third in a row walking marathon days, we can now say and find each canal and its related bridge and side streets without a map. We are feeling fortunate and happy to be able to explore this unique place.
And we're also feeling fortunate and happy that we've managed to navigate these busy brick streets and sidewalks of zooming bicycles, trams, cars, skateboards, and fellow pedestrians without mishap. But wow it takes effort and attention to remember to look all ways, including behind you, several times at every single crossing even at alleyways.
The ubiquitous bicycles help give this place a very special vibe. Parked bikes line bridges and benches and posts and storefronts. Riders appear healthy and determined as they confidently ride and ring their bells at wayward pedestrians. And goodness are they fast! It appears that "no braking" is the rule! But we're rather grateful that our own bike riding will wait until we're in the countryside.
An eye opening walk through the Red Light District, experiencing a coffeeshop or two, the bicycles, bridges, canals, the poignantly sad Anne Frank House, and tomorrow both the Van Gogh and the Rijkesmueum are making these few days in Amsterdam memorable.
Tomorrow we'll begin our sailing/biking/ukulele odyssey!
As suspected, this has been a wonderful whirlwind of a trip with very little time left over for writing blog posts. It's fun to share! Thanks for taking a look!
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| One of many beautiful canal scenes in Amsterdam. |
And we're also feeling fortunate and happy that we've managed to navigate these busy brick streets and sidewalks of zooming bicycles, trams, cars, skateboards, and fellow pedestrians without mishap. But wow it takes effort and attention to remember to look all ways, including behind you, several times at every single crossing even at alleyways.
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| Our Max Brown Hotel is in the background - so lovely! |
An eye opening walk through the Red Light District, experiencing a coffeeshop or two, the bicycles, bridges, canals, the poignantly sad Anne Frank House, and tomorrow both the Van Gogh and the Rijkesmueum are making these few days in Amsterdam memorable.
Tomorrow we'll begin our sailing/biking/ukulele odyssey!
As suspected, this has been a wonderful whirlwind of a trip with very little time left over for writing blog posts. It's fun to share! Thanks for taking a look!
