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We arrived in Amsterdam today about 2:00 pm, right on schedule. Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands, lying at the center of the Randstad, one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe. It’s name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city’s origin: a dam in the river Amstel.
Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, it became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age. During that time, the city was the leading center for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded, and many new neighborhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of Amsterdam, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2010.
After having lunch in the Grand Dining Room we headed out on our own. Getting directions from a nice lady in the Marina atrium we grabbed a map and, since we’ve both been to Amsterdam several times, including once together, we opted to do a self-guided tour today. It was a beautiful day as we set off for the 2 mile walk into the city. We started by walking along the waterfront, then went over a nice bridge that was well traveled by both local walkers and bikers riders. In about 30 minutes we arrived in the heart of the city where we went in search of the flower market. We never quite got there but instead found other interesting sights.
The city was much as we remembered with lovely canals, beautiful flowers and interesting smells rising up from the numerous coffee shops (see the menu in the Gallery). We decided to rest up sipping wine at a sidewalk café before heading back to the ship. Previously we have toured many museums out of the 50 in town, including the largest, the Rijksmuseumwhich which has famous works from Rembrandt, including “Night Watch” and many famous Van Gogh paintings. You can also see Anne Frank’s house right along a canal downtown.
We passed beautiful buildings on the way back to town, walked up the long ramp onto the Marina. We finished the night with a wine tasting dinner with a small group. Something like a five course dinner, wine-paired. Very nice food and a good time.
By the way, the picture of tulips and the windmill was taken from a postcard. While Dale wanted to see some windmills we forgot to go by the two that are actually within walking distance in town, but the photo he took of the postcard was pretty good!
Margaret’s Top Picks:
Amsterdam Full Gallery: