Amsterdam

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Amsterdam is just flat out gorgeous.  There's no other way to put it.  Even though there was a garbage workers strike going on and much more trash on the streets than would normally be found, the city still took our breath away.

Our hotel was actually in Rotterdam.  Amsterdam was about a 45 minute train ride.





You immediately see things that let you know that you're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy!



We arrived in the city and as soon as you walk out of the train station you notice one thing...  bicycles!  Bicycles everywhere!  That is the main form of transportation in Amsterdam and it is serious business.




The second thing you notice are the canals.  Amsterdam is a city built on canals and they are beautiful.  We could just stand and watch the canals all day long.









We've never been to Venice, Italy but seeing how people live in a city of canals is very romantic and appealing.  

It is so different from anything we've seen anywhere in the U.S.  

As we walked the narrow bridges over the canals, we must have stopped 100 times to just watch, take pictures and wonder at the life the locals must live.  It would be fascinating.




Anne Frank's House


Growing up, we all learned the story of Anne Frank.  The young girl that was forced to hide from the Nazi's along with her family in a hidden part of their apartment for several years.

We visited her house alongside one of the canals.

We were not allowed to take pictures inside but we did tour through the hidden rooms.  Saw her bedroom and the small kitchen where they cooked.

The feeling that overtakes you as you walk through is extremely powerful.  It is hard to imagine living a life of fear like that.









The Streets of Amsterdam

We spent a great deal of time just walking.  Absorbing the unique flavor and character of the city that is Amsterdam.  It really is one of the favorite places we've ever been.























And we even passed some of the famous "coffee shops"!




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