Amsterdam's Famous Houses

Next in our introduction to Amsterdam are the stylish houses that go wayyyy back in history. Along with the narrow streets ... busy with pigeons.Or in this case ... people & bikes, although the bikes seem to be missing in this particular shot - odd and rare.These houses are stunningly typical AMSTERDAM! Another of the same. I would like to point out that for such a busy, populated city, there are quite a few large trees. Also, since grey skies are so common I took advantage of the opportunity to photograph the glorious blue skies against the spectacular Dutch architecture.This is Arnie's impressive photo with a brilliant collection of Dutch canal houses - he is able to catch images on a larger scale with his 350D.

Lastly, one of our prized photos due to the significant historical meaning, rather than the images themselves. The Anne Frank house, Prinsengracht 267, is the well-known home of a young girl & her world famous diary. It is the building with the pine green doors on ground level.

I have read the biography and seen the movie version, so when I approached this house I was in awe and speechless when I was flooded by the powerful memories of what such a young girl and her family had to endure during WWII.

Amsterdam's Canals & Bridges

We started our walk at Amstel Station and followed the Amstel River into the heart of Amsterdam. Along the way we saw many landmark bridges, distinctively "Amsterdam" canals, uniquely Dutch houses and more. Some of you have not yet had the opportunity to visit my home so below is a taste of, what I feel to be, one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Perhaps these might temp you to book a flight today! All of these bridges and canals are named but I do not remember them all ... sorry I am a bad tour guide.

The canals wind their way throughout the city and are dazzling to see at night (sorry - don't have any night shots but you CAN take my word for it - been there, seen it, done it).

De Munt Tower (the mint tower) was build in 1512 and was part of the ancient defense wall of Amsterdam.

Above is a boat along the Brouwersgracht - this is the straat (straat = street & gracht = canal - simple Dutch lesson) that our dentist is on. Usually, on a trip to the dentist, I am scared CRAPLESS, so I am not always in the spirit of mind to appreciate such scenic moments!

This is another type of bridge which is common to Amsterdam urban planning. This canal & bridge are surrounded by modern architecture rather than the typical Amsterdam houses. This shows the diversity of Amsterdam: a mix of past & present which is why I have added this one it - the contrast of the white against the usual shades of brown . I know ... yet another canal with buildings but I just LOVE this shot. Small, narrow, single canals are found mixed in the variety. What inspired me to share this one was the crisp, cool, inviting, blue sky against the assorted browns & twisting leafless branches of winter.

This is one of Arnie's photos with the 350D & I just love it. I was somewhat indecisive about which collection this photo would fit: channel, houses (both in the channel and alongside) or bridges (there is one in the far distance if you look carefully). The reason I am so fond of this shot is because it captures many of the distinguishing aspects of Amsterdam.

Windmills of Holland

Many of you know that Holland is associated with many things: wooden shoes, gorgeous flowers, delicious cheese and ... windmills. On our drive home from Amsterdam, we decided to take a side trip down a winding road that leads to some farms and this spectacular windmill, which is 1 of many that are scattered throughout the Dutch countryside. The end of the day was slowly approaching and we absolutely had to capture the below photos to share.

Below is from another angle - standing there taking this photo felt like I could reach out and touch the windmill blades as they would spin towards me.

This one is Arnie's from further down-field - it has a powerful presence when you stand at its base as well as from a distance.