We took a hour long canal boat tour upon arriving in Amsterdam. There is no shortage of tour operators, so we chose one leaving in 5 minutes. Next time, we may try a different company for variety. Heading out we went by the Amstel Botel (hotel on a very large boat) - rooms from 84 Euro a night! We headed over to the Gelderskade - along this canal we saw all varieties of house boats, plus some interesting vessels, like this bright orange life boat. Apparently, you have to get permission from the city to legally live on the canals, though there are plenty of boats that don't. If you do have permission, there are water and electricity hookups along the banks. This is one way Amsterdam alleviates its housing shortage, by encouraging house boats. Being a nice, hot (85 deg or more) day, there was plenty of laundry out to dry on the boats. We saw nice gardens and house plants and even a mannequin hanging out in a lawn chair on a boat deck.
We headed down the Amstel river, past Zuiderkerk and Waterlooplein where the flea market was going. Right before the Magere Brug drawbridge, the boat turned onto Herengracht (Gentlemen's Canal), named after the "17 Gentlemen" of the United East India Company. Looking down the Reguliersgracht, we saw the "canal of the seven bridges" cut in 1664. Miles enjoys the canal trip on my lap.
The Golden Bend has some of the largest private mansions in the city. Most of the houses are in the Gallic style with a Dutch twist. By the mid-17th century many Amsterdam merchants had amassed stupendous fortunes; these houses are good evidence of that. It was a beautiful ride along these gorgeous houses.
posted by Whitney @ 6:18 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home