Sat. Nov. 10-Amsterdam

 Got to the Jakarta Hotel in Amsterdam harbor area. Really a nice, modern hotel.

Glass bridge between sides of the hotel

Hotel interior. Outside view was the harbor


Sounds like a broken record but we were breakfasted and out the door at 9:00 for a tour. This time the tour was by canal boat as Amsterdam is the "Venice of the North", or as Amsterdamers say "Venice is the Amsterdam of the South".


Miles of Canals, twists and turns, bridges

1281 bridges in Amsterdam
House boats

Elaborate houseboats everywhere

Life along the canal
Typical tourist boat
 After the canal tour, we waked to the ferry to cross the harbor and get into downtown Amsterdam. All around us were thousands of bicycles zipping along. There are 500 bicycles stolen every day and no one seems to mind. Several years ago, the government bought and delivered 50,000 bicycles painted white with the idea they could be shared among the citizens. Within two days, 50,000 bicycles were stolen and repainted to the thief's preference.

Stealing this one is with a risk

We wandered Amsterdam for a few hours after the canal boat tour and the 2:00 start of the tour of the Anne Frank house and museum. We found a restaurant down a side street that worked perfectly.

Great lunch
After lunch (sandwiches and fries), we went to the Anne Frank House for our tour. There are no photos allowed inside so none here.

Sufficient to say the tour was sobering. Another description (this one personal and real-time) about how that period of time should never be repeated. Very dramatic and very moving and very crowded.

After Anne Frank (and with rain falling), we walked through parts of the Red Light District. Went down just a few side streets and saw some of the working girls. Our program director and our local guide had explained that this 'industry' had been in Amsterdam for more than 800 years and was considered entirely legal and moral. Additionally, our guide described all the working conditions, responsibilities, their union, etc. Very informative.

The last shuttle back to the Jakarta hotel was at 4:30 from in front of the Grand Station. Tomorrow is departure day for many going back to the States or other locations and the start of our add on extension to Bruges.


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