My Ashtonville: This City Called Amsterdam

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."

Miriam Beard

I have to confess that I was a little uncertain about coming to Amsterdam. Basically, most of the things I knew about Amsterdam weren't very positive - most of it was negative and some of it down right creepy. I have, however, found Amsterdam to be "much, much" more than it's negative reputation. I have found it to be a city steeped in history and wonderful surprises. Terry and I have both loved visiting this city for a number of reasons - the museums, canals, architecture and atmosphere are just a few of the attributes of this unique city (not to mention the chocolate and the cheese!). So I decided to look up some facts about Amsterdam and thought I would share the following as we can personally testify that these facts are pretty darn accurate!

The Dutch people are the tallest in all Europe and second tallest in the world (and the best looking)

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I have to tell you that this little tidbit in itself has made me feel totally at home in this city of over one million!! For the first time in my life, here, I am not in a minority. For the first time in my life, in this city, I am average height!!!

Amsterdam has over 1 million bikes but only 700,000 Amsterdammers

I thought Japan had a lot of bikers. Amsterdam gives the Japanese culture a run for their money when it comes to biking!!! Business men and woman, mothers and fathers with their children, young women and men - everyone rides a bike here. Rush hour traffic is not just about cars here. Keep your eyes and ears open here or you might get run over by a bike!!

The Van Gogh collections in the Van Gogh Museum and the Kröller-Müller Museum are the largest in the world

I can testify that this is a wonderful museum - showcasing Van Gogh's works from the very beginning to his tragic death.

Most Dutch people speak at least one foreign language as well as Dutch and English.

Everywhere you go in this city people know at least a little English - but surprisingly enough we only encountered a few people with just a little knowledge of English. Most people were very comfortable using English - which was good for us and all the other tourists that visit each year!!

Over one million people visit the address Prinsengracht 263 each year - the hiding place of Anne Frank during the Nazi occupation of Holland.

Terry and I were able to help add to these numbers this year. This was a great museum - and an emotional one. It is hard to believe that we stood in the same room where this young woman wrote about the secret annex at Prinsengracht 263 where she hid, along with her family and some family friends, for two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

Our time in this city is soon coming to an end. Tomorrow we move on to Berlin - where I will once again fall into the minority. Oh well. It was it good while it lasted:-)

One of the many canals in Amsterdam - this picture was taken
just a block from the house where we stayed.

The house in the middle is Prinsengracht 263 - the
home where Anne Frank and her family hid during the
Nazi occupation of Holland. Our rental house was
just two blocks down at Prinsengracht 19.

The memorial for Anne Frank.

A cool "corner" home. Difficult to furnish
this home I expect.

Everyone rides a bike. And these bikes are not "fancy" bikes.
In America they would be considered "garage" sale bikes - but
everyone has one and they are not cheap!!