Amsterdam
Amsterdam is built on 11 million wooden pilings and sits below sea level. There are about 100 miles of canals and more than 1,280 bridges, actually more than Venice. The city has over 1 million bikes, a lot more than its population, and thousands of bikes get pulled out of the canals every year. Narrow houses line the canals because, centuries ago, people paid lower taxes if their house was skinny, sometimes just over 6 feet wide.
Tuesday Night
August 26, Lübeck to Amsterdam
Arrived in Amsterdam after a long delay, hours later than planned. The walk to the hotel was super congested and tiring. After checking in, we wandered the red light district, taking in the lively sights before grabbing a bite to eat nearby. Fell asleep almost instantly—completely wiped out from the travel and nonstop day.
Anne Frank House
Wednesday, Aug 27
Slept in today, feeling somewhat refreshed, but Kelley was feeling a little yucky. Headed out to a nearby patisserie for coffee and a croissant. Met up with Carie and Scott, and we spent the morning walking around together, letting the city guide us as we explored at a relaxed pace.
Anne Frank House
Walked to the Anne Frank House tonight and arrived early, so we took a stroll around the neighborhood first.
The clock-face on the neighboring Westerkerk church was visible from the attic where Anne Frank hid, and she mentioned in her diary how the chiming carillon was a small source of comfort during those dark days. Interestingly, Rembrandt was once buried there as a poor man, though his remains were later moved.
The museum offered an audio tour, which added a lot of depth and helped make the story even more vivid. Being in the actual space and seeing Anne’s diary firsthand made the experience moving and real. It was both impactful and touching.
Remembering the suffering and injustices of that dark time keeps awareness alive and reminds us of history’s lessons.
Museum & Walking
Thurs, Aug 28
Van Gogh Museum
Early up and out. Uber'd with Mustafa to the museum, and really enjoyed it.
Dinner at Dam Square
We're staying just down the street from Dam Square and find ourselves walking around there often. Had dinner at Majestic on the square tonight, very nice.
STRAAT Museum
Fri, Aug 29
Started with pancakes for breakfast, then walked around the city. Took a canal tour that gave useful insights into Amsterdam’s history and neighborhoods. Rode the ferry to NDSM and visited the STRAAT street art museum, which features large murals and graffiti by artists from around the world.
STRAAT Museum
The STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam is the world's largest museum dedicated to street art and graffiti, housed in a massive former warehouse on the NDSM terrain.
Headed to Ghent
Sat, Aug 30
Raining today. After a so-so breakfast, hopped on an early-ish train to Ghent.
Reflections
Beautiful architecture, interesting history, and neat canals characterize the city. Pricing is average to above average. It’s easy to walk around, feels safe, and homelessness is minimal. English speakers are everywhere.
There are so many people, mostly tourists, it seems. Lots of smokers, some trash, and the food is so-so. Water is not provided for free.
The Red Light District is very touristy. There is an incredible number of restaurants, bars, and shops packed into a small area. If you walk a few canals away, the crowds thin out, it becomes quieter, and the scenery matches those Instagram photos.
Next Stop
Belgium, coming soon.
Previous Stop
Ronnie