Amsterdam Leaning ladies & a canal ride
Trip Start
May 19, 2005
1
4
6
Trip End
May 25, 2005
Where I stayed
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Since we did not stay here the first night, I'm anxious to see some of it. Our lovely hotel for two night is the Pulitzer. A very beautiful property. A small canal is across the street, and lots of bridges over the canal. After check in we decide to "see the town."
We start walking with a small map. My destination is anywhere I can find a delft Christmas ornament. Up to the corner, cross the street, and the next block on the left has just what I am looking for. Happy Christmas to me.
Then we head over to Dam Square and the Palace. The self guided tour is pretty impressive. This is just one of three palaces in the little country of Holland that the Queen gets to use. I didn't think the square was that unique or pretty.
We found our way down a small street to the waterfront, where harbor tours were available. We're told these small boats that cruise thru the canals are the best way to get an overview of the town.
We pass the 3 leaning ladies, dutch buildings that are..leaning. It's all the water that plays havoc with the foundations. We sail by the "Amsterdam", a work project for unemployed workers to learn the skills of wooden shipmaking. This tall sailed ship looks like it came out of a Disney Movie.
If I was a cruiser, this is what I'd be cruising on! Back on land, we're looking for food, and found it right up from the shiptours. Everyone is out with their menus. We decide Italian would be fine. The restaurant has 10 tables. The service is quick, friendly and "hey where are you from in America?" is the question. It's not long before we know everyone in the place.
Then off to find some Dutch beer to take home to John, and something for Kary. We end up looking at some stores, grabbed some liquor, and searched for neuhaus chocolates, to not avail. They were supposed to be in the small grocery store at the corner of our hotel, but not there. I'm now on a chocolate mission. These, according to our guide are THE BEST in all of Europe. Even better than Cadbury Chocolate made in Ireland! We're strolling the canals, looking at houseboats. Some are for rent, some rent weekly. This would be a fun vacation for us. You can't move them, but you're "room" is a houseboat.
Then, back to the hotel and call it a night.
