Chica & Joey's Travel Blog: Amsterdam

15 September 2013

Amsterdam - (Netherlands) - originated as a fishing village in the 12th century and, in the late 1500s and early 1600s, became one of the most important ports in the world. The city was originally built on pilings and today has over 47 miles of canals, making it a quite picturesque city. We learned that nearly half of the Netherlands was reclaimed from the sea with the aid of dykes, canals and huge tidal barriers.

We've arrived in Amsterdam...

We're staying at Hendra & Sid's place, our Airbnb hosts. Upon our afternoon arrival and meeting them, we were immediately taken with the incredible cultural diversity this city has to offer. We visited with them for the better part of the afternoon which made a wonderful welcome to this amazing place.

Sid & Hendra

In the few days we've been here, we've come to know a small slice of two amazing people. We have all become dear to each others' hearts and will, one day in the future, meet them again.

In our conversations, we decided we will all play the lottery and, when we win, will have a place in southern France or possibly Spain that we can gather together in the future. Each will have their own space which will be centered around a big kitchen with a big table, share food and conversation and laughter....and our hearts.

Early evening just around the corner from our Airbnb hosts' home.

The reflection from the lights makes the canals even more amazing.

There are bicycles everywhere.

We found a close by vegetarian restaurant, perfect for our liking.

Sitting on comfortable cushions on the floor enhanced our experience.

Looking though the railing from our table.

Out for more walking around the city today.

Bicycles everywhere. There are commonly bike lanes beside all of the roadways - and usually an area where cars are prohibited - making it quite safe for the large numbers of bicyclers. When we walk and cross streets, we need to watch equally for cars and bikes.

Chica bought a cool pair of yoga pants from Krishna at a flea market. Quite the nice fellow from Nepal. We don't force people to talk to us ... it just happens.

We found several great cheese shops in Amsterdam.

A typical view as we're walking

There are about 2500 house boats in Amsterdam. Because they are busting at the seams, the authorities have now restricted the number to this 2500 - no room for more.

Rembrandt Square - this is a major square in Amsterdam and a good reference point for us while we walked around the city. The statue on the pedestal is the renowned painter Rembrandt, who owned a house nearby from 1639 to 1656. The bronze-cast scene in front of him is a life size representation of his most famous painting completed in honor of his 400th birthday.

Although the tulip blooming season has ended in Amsterdam, the beauty continues through these colorfully painted wooden tulips.

We visited the Rijks Museum, a Dutch National Museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam.

Rich, colorful stained glass windows frame the gallery walkways (taking photos of the artists' works is not allowed in the gallery).

The Gallery entryway ceiling

A popular place - just outside of the Rijks and the Van Gogh museums.

As is common request in most museums, photos of the artists' works are not allowed.

Visiting the local Hardrock cafe has become a regular stop on our travels.

The view of a neighbor's atrium below from the small porch outside of our bedroom at Hendra & Sid's home.

More wonderful views walking around the city

We found a little bagel place...not that we were searching for a bagel!

And a visit to the Anne Frank House & Museum (no photos allowed). Although many know a bit of the history of this young, Jewish girl, it was incredible, as well as emotional, to be standing in this space. Eight individuals lived in this Secret Annex for more than two years. Otto Frank (Anne's Father) was the only survivor from the eight in hiding.