Amsterdam, Netherlands

Just like any major city, there's always so much to see and do!
In Amsterdam, just to try and name a few, there is: Amsterdam's Historisch (Historical) Museum, Anne Frank Huis, Begijnhof, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Oude Kerk (Old Church), Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Dam Square, Red Light District, and of course all the Canals.

The Central Train Station

Group shot. (Not pictured: Natanael)

When we first arrived in Central Station in Amsterdam, we were a little overwhelmed. We had no idea which direction to start in! It was a good thing one of the girls in the group, Alice, had made a list of what we should all see and it all mapped out. So she led us into what seemed a random direction and we followed like any would do on a walking tour.

Dam Square 
When visiting Amsterdam, Dam Square is one of the few places not to be missed, and impossible to miss. It is a straight shot walk from the Station, roughly 10min away. It is known as "the heart of Amsterdam" and no matter how you travel (walking, biking, driving) you will most certainly pass by it.

It has a few key sites, the buildings surrounding the square are all very interesting.
On the east side of the square, there is something known as the National Monument. It is a remembrance for the fallen soldiers and members of the resistance who died during WWII. On the west side sits the Dutch Royal Palace, which is the building on the left in our group photo ->
There are walking tours of the first floor, which is decorated with ornate paintings and sculputures, as well as the famous collection of Empire furniture left by Louis Napoleon.

On the south side of the square is the famous Madame Tussaud's Museum. It is well known for the wax figures of celebrities, world leaders, cultural figures, etc. This particular Museum was the second in existence, soon after the first established in England.

National Monument

Dutch Royal Palace

Madame Tussaud's Museum

Nieuwe Kerk New Church

On the north end is the Nieuwe Kerk. This impressive church was built in the 14th century, but was destroyed several times by fires. However it has been beautifully restored to the Neo-Gothic style, and the original 1645 pipe organ is still there, but is no longer in use.

Amsterdams Historisch Musuem
Although we did not go in the Historical Museum has a very interesting history. "Once a monastery, and then a city orphanage for four centuries, the museum is now an elegant complex of bright and airy rooms." Some highlights are a model of a Dutch East India sailing ship and the silver drinking horn of the medieval Guild of St. George. Seen below are pictures of us in a courtyard on museum grounds as well as around the outside.

Begijnhof

 Also known as Beguinage, is an "outstanding" example of a medieval almshouse community. Built in the 14th century, it was used to accommodate Beguines, pious single women of the Catholic faith, who lived a religious and charitable life without the stricture of holy vows.
Also in this tiny "community" is the 15th century Houten Huys, one of Amsterdam's oldest houses. It is wooden fronted and steeply gabled.

Anne Frank Huis

Also known as Anne Frank's House, or even more commonly The Secret Annex. "No matter how often you have heard the Anne Frank story, a visit to Het Achterhuis or The Secret Annex is unforgettable. And that is was. I didn't know what to expect when we came across the building, but it did just look like any other building besides the grouping of people outside it. When you walk in, you are reminded by numerous people not to take any photos so the photos I have attached are of postcards I bought and the booklet you get when you start your tour. The Annex was definitely a lot bigger than I had thought it to be. While walking through it is hard to even imagine how 8 people hid there for such a long time.

The Huis after WWII

The Map of the Museum/ Secret Annex

The movable bookcase,
entrance to Secret Annex

Anne and Fritz's room,
"done up with staged furniture" to replicate
the original look

Otto Frank

This last black and white photo was taken (May 3rd 1960)
after WWII and the only survivor from the hiding place
 father of Anne, Otto Frank, came back to the Secret
Annex. Here he is in the attic, thinking of how he will never
see his wife, children, or friends again. Shortly after this visit, Miep Gies gives him Anne's journals and diaries, where he
sees a whole different side of Anne that he never knew.










And now a collage of random photos from Amsterdam.

Red Light District at Night
<--- Also

Amsterdam at night.