Amster...DAM

Day 1 in Amsterdam...arrived on Easter Sunday at 9 am and met Sudhir there. We spent the morning exploring the city and walking along the canals.

Most of the houses along the canal were all very narrow and deep, but each had a charming uniqueness to it.
The houses have such small fronts because back in the day people were taxed according to the width of their house.

These house are too steep and narrow for moving furniture in. You see hooks on the top of these houses that are used as pulleys for moving furniture in and out through the windows.



The Venice of the North...Amsterdam is acutally built on over 90 little islands that are connected by around 400 stone bridges. There's more than 100 kilometres of canal that go through Amsterdam. There used to be more than that, but it has been filled.

Here's the Skinny Bridge; a double draw-bridge built in 1840.

A quick stop for some yummy Dutch pancakes and souvenir shopping.

Next stop was the Flower Market which had a beautiful array of flowers and smelled so fragrant. We bought some tulip bulbs along with all the other tourists!

That night we had a great dinner at an Indian restaurant and then went to the Red Light District and saw an interesting show. Sorry no pictures.

Day 2 in Amsterdam...started the morning with another fantastic Dutch pancake and then went to the Van Gogh Museum.

Then we sat in the park and relaxed for a bit. Later went to a coffee shop. Good Times!

Final Day in Amsterdam...One last opportuntity for Dutch pancakes and then we went to the Anne Frank House. The family moved to Amsterdam in 1933 when Hitler came to power and went into hiding in 1942. All 8 of the people in hiding were found and arrested after the police received an anonymous tip. All were sent to extermination camps where everyone but Anne's father died. Otto Frank published the diary she kept two years after her death, in 1947. Anne's diary has since been translated into more than 60 languages.

After that, we went to the the Torture Musuem, don't ask why. This museum showcased many of the cruel and barbaric torture methods that have been used in past centuries. Needless to say, this wasn't my favorite stop. Next, we walked the through the shopping district and made our last purchase at the cheese shop. We bought a variety sampler of Dutch cheese and have been thoroughly enjoying that purchase!

We had a great couple days in Amsterdam and enjoyed all it has to offer!