NORTHERN TOUR - AMSTERDAM

Here is a map of the whole tour and how it started.



When finally everybody from all continents had arrived in this nice hotel, (the Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam airport), we checked in and our bus took us then into Amsterdam, where we took a canal cruise, one of the best ways to see this amazing city and its sights. We also had a Pizza on board while we cruised through the canals.



Before boarding we went by the Rijksmuseum created by architect P.J.H. Cuypers and built in 1876, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is the largest museum in the Netherlands. His collection includes many of the country's most famous works



Very impressive entrance hall, you can probably spend days in this museum.



Then we arrived at the canal and boarded our boat. Shortly after the pizzas arrived and we were all served.




East Indiaman Amsterdam

During its maiden voyage in 1749 the original Amsterdam was sailing on the North Sea when its rudder broke in a raging storm. The crew managed to reach the shore on the south coast of England in safety but the ship quickly sank into the mud and was never recovered.

In 1985, almost 200 years after the termination of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the keel was laid for a new East Indiaman, based on the original Amsterdam. Over 400 volunteers helped to build the new Amsterdam which we admired today



We also saw the Nemo the largest science centre in the Netherlands. The 4 floors of NEMO are a stimulating scene. It has a quite strange shape, I thought !









We went through the canals admiring the old houses and would have loved to join the old and young people on their boats, where they had a lot of fun, celebrated or made a picnic or just drove around !
There was almost as many traffic on the canals than on the streets !

But at least there were no bikes

The worst enemy for pedestrians in Amsterdam !

*******

 

The next day on our way to Hamburg (Germany) we made a stop at a little farm and clogs producer and an old mill

The clogs were a little bit too big for me







I loved to stay in the stable with the cows and the hen and her chicken. The smell reminded me of my childhood.



Of course I also visited the shop besides the farm, but didn't find anything interesting. My travel pals were very interested in the clogs ! Some of them had never seen them and wondered how you could walk with these wooden "shoes".







The old wind mill was full of charm and I would love to live in such an old mill !



I took a photo of this map, to know where we were, but as I have difficulties to read a map, I just took it as souvenir.

Next stop will be Hamburg

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CRUISE ON AMSTERDAM's CANALS

On the last visit to Amsterdam, where my son and family lives we did a sightseeing cruise on the canals.



The boat started in front of the station and we werewelcomed by a cow.



The boats were all full although there are a lot, but we finally found a nice place in open air to sit. My grandson was a little bothered by the sunshine and we were happy to have such a beautiful weather.



The cruise started with showing us modern buildings



Then a replica of the Amsterdam. The replica of the ship was built in Iroko wood by 400 volunteers using tools of the period, between 1985 and 1990.  It was floated to Amsterdam and is moored next to the Netherlands Maritime Museum, where it is open to visitors of the museum. 





The canals were quiet crowded by sightseeing ships or private boats.



People were sitting along the canals and enjoyed a drink



Then we arrived in the posh area with very beautiful old houses, some of them counting 40 rooms !



We went by my son's office, which once had been a private house to a rich family.



Lots of people were underway in their private or rented boats, with picnic and drinks.



A wedding ?

I was very much impressed by the houseboats. People are living in there permanently and are connected to water, electricity, etc. Just like a normal house.



There are so many, nicely decorated and often with a little garden.

















There are all kinds of boats some decorated with a lot of creativity !

Then we returned and I saw this amazing building which must be unique !



It is a parking for around 3000 bicycles. I just wonder how one can find his bike !



and then the cruise was finished and we approached the station.

AROUND THE CENTRAL STATION IN AMSTERDAM

I had to go to Amsterdam for babysitting purposes. On my way back I left my son's house early with the intention to stroll a little bit through Amsterdam. Unfortunately it was very cold and very windy and I was almost blown away.

Therefore I only took a few pictures of what you see when you arrive in Amsterdam Central station and took the next train back to Brussels.





The central station



and some beautiful details



You have to cross this bridge to get into the center



Sightseeing boats are waiting for you to drive you through the canals



Despite the cold and windy weather there were already quiet a lot of tourists waiting



Besides the sightseeing boats there are also all kind of other boats



Buildings along the canal



and the other side





Getting into the center

Before you move around I suggest to increase your life insurance ! There are thousands of cyclists who cycle around paying no attention to whatever, either cars or pedestrians, who just have to hop aside.



bicycles,



bicycles











and more bicycles

I survived and catched my train !