June 6th Amsterdam

waves lapping gently

There is something extremely soporific about being right by the sea. Last night we were gently lulled to sleep by the waves lapping on the shore less than 5 metres from our heads. We awoke to more brilliant sunshine and the same gentle lapping sound. This is a little piece of heaven just 30 mins bike ride from the centre of Amsterdam.

free ferry every 10 minutes

After breakfast looking out over the lake we just had to cycle into Amsterdam again. It seemed much closer because we knew where we were going and how far it actually was. It is a truly magnificent ride to the ferry followed by a spectacular ferry ride across what was Amsterdam harbour to the Central Railway station.

hop on hop off canal bus

Today we had decided to see Amsterdam by way of its hundreds of canals on a "hop on hop off" canal bus. €42 poorer and clutching our precious tickets we made our way to the first canal bus stop. 

Amsterdam really is a fabulous city particularly in brilliant sunshine with crystal blue skies and the thermometer touching 23 degrees although it felt warmer.

B & P in front of the Rijksmuseum

We got off at the museum quarter which until the late 1800's was a farming area. It is now designated an area of art and culture and is home to the world famous Rijksmuseum (where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch in a fabulous setting) and the Van Gogh museum as well as several other well known cultural buildings.

typical "street scene

We walked the mile or so to the flower market and bought the obligatory tulip bulbs. Then it was back on to the canal bus to continue our tour of Amsterdam. 

If there is a poor district we certainly didn't pass through it. The canal side  buildings are magnificent. They were built leaning slightly towards the canal so that it was easier to haul heavy objects to the upper floors without damaging the building. 

Compared to other capital cities we couldn't help but notice how calm and ordered everything seemed. The canals are lined with trees which bring much needed greenery into the crowded centre.

(apparently there were 200 000 people in Amsterdam in 1600)

 The absence of any street beggars and the lack of trinket sellers was certainly not due to police presence which seemed equally absent. We saw scarcely a cyclist and no scooter drivers with a helmet.

 We have felt very welcome and of course the Dutch speak English which has made for a smooth and easy and enjoyable visit although I always feel happier when I can speak some of the language.

Misschien volgende keer. Maybe next time.