.....Amsterdam



"WesterKerk", Tallest Tower
in the city

On July 20, 2001, we took the train to Amsterdam for the day.  It was a 3 hour ride from Brussels to Amsterdam.  At the time, it was 50.57 euros per person, roundtrip (the euro was at its lowest, less than the US dollar, so that was good for us).  We saw many of the highlights in Amsterdam.  The ‘Westerkerk’ is the church containing the remains of Rembrandt (1669).  The ‘Westerkerk’ is also the tallest tower in the city lined with canals and over 1,200 bridges.  There are 200 coffee shops in Amsterdam.  Although drugs are banned in the area, you are still able to buy small quantities of certain drugs for personal use in coffee shops, so we were told.  Cafes are more like pubs where you can be entertained by local folk singers.  Any visitor to Amsterdam is intrigued by the Red Light district!  Behind hundreds of red lit windows, are scantily dressed women trying to seduce patrons into their room.  It’s actually a safe and well patrolled area for tourists and visitors to walk through and get glimpse of this famous and unique attraction.

Unfortunately the line to visit the Anne Frank house was hours long!  Our time was limited, so we chose not to wait.  We will have visit Amsterdam again someday and make that a priority.  We also didn’t visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum.  Both big attractions, but neither of us was interested in seeing any particular pieces of art.  I know….we should have at least gone in to see Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ if anything! 

Anne Frank House - She began her diary
here in July 1942 hid in this house for
2 yrs during WWII.

Konnikklijk Paleis was built in 1648 and is next to
Madame Tussauds Scenerama

Amsterdam has something for everyone, and can be done in a day or two.  Other historical sites include Koninklijk Paleis (town hall) built in 1648, which is located next to the trendy Madam Tussauds Scenerama Museum and Gallery.  And yes….we did go to Madam Tussauds!  Don’t miss the view of the city from the window on the 4^th floor!  

The view from the 4th floor of Madame Tussauds,
looking down at Central Station where we arrived by train