Amsterdam

I spent the early part of the new year enjoying the various delights that Amsterdam has to offer. 

Including of course some wonderful walks by the canals in beautiful winter sunshine.

The city has, as you will know, an abundance of cultural places to visit and high on my list was the house on Jodenbreestraat in which the painter Rembrandt resided for almost a decade from 1639. Thanks to an inventory taken in 1656, the custodians have been able to recreate the furnishings along the same lines as they would have been in Rembrandt's time. His studio has also been faithfully recreated.

It was a fascinating tour.

I am less of a fan of the work of Van Gogh yet when in Amsterdam, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum is an absolute must.

I confess that despite my reservations about his work, I found the experience very informative and I came away with a better understanding of how his work developed during his short lifetime.



The most moving part of our visit to Amsterdam was at the Anne Frank House, where we were allowed to wander through the rooms and hidden annexes occupied by Anne and her family from 1942 until their arrest in August 1944. Thanks to original photographs, multimedia presentations and extracts from Anne's diary, we were given a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people in that house during those terrible times.

A more serene and peaceful atmosphere was experienced when we visited the Begijnhof which despite being in the centre of the city, offers a secluded calm atmosphere. Accessed through a narrow passageway, this secluded courtyard dates back to the 14th century. It was originally a sanctuary for a Catholic sisterhood who lived as nuns despite never taking monastic vows. Now these beautiful houses are still occupied by single women,

In the southern corner of the courtyard is the 15th century English Church which is still used as a Presbyterian church to this day.

Amid that peace and quiet, it was difficult for us to believe that were in the centre of a bustling and vibrant city.

Of course being Amsterdam, we saw thousands of bikes....

And of course, tulips and clogs. 
















The visit wouldn't have been complete without a canal cruise... 




















And seeing more of that wonderful architecture.

A beautiful and friendly city which I must return to soon.