#6 - Amsterdam & Vicinity

Along the Damrak.

The concept of a 3-D Van Gogh experience was intriguing, but we passed on that one.

The Nieuwe Kerk, with a banner featuring the monarchs from the House of Orange-Nassau. The bottom one is Willem-Alexander, who was to be inaugurated five days later on April 30, the Queen's Day national holiday. The Dutch place a high value on egalitarianism and so do not usually call it a "coronation," but I imagine it is still good to be king.

The royal palace on Dam Square - the balcony at the lower left was where the new king and queen greeted the crowd with the royal wave.

Magna Plaza, a huge shopping complex, decked out with banners sporting the new king's initials of WA - they were all over the city.

Waag, the last of the city's medieval gatehouses.

Red Light District, looking pretty tame during the day.

We made the pilgrimage to the Anne Frank House and were impressed with the fine job of restoration. The exhibits are a very thought-provoking tribute to Anne and her family and all they endured, but they also probe the question of how such a horror as the Holocaust could have happened. There is a final exhibit dealing with contemporary examples of prejudice and intolerance, with opportunities for viewers to express their own opinions.

Westerkerk

Homomonument

Our hotel on the other side of the square, the Krasnapolsky

Madame Tussauds, also on Dam Square, a big tourist draw.

We spent a few hours out at the Keukenhof gardens, beautiful even on a rainy day.

The gardens feature several pavilions providing shelter from the showers as well as the opportunity to view some exotic varieties close up. If you see something irresistible, each of the varieties is labeled and the bulbs are offered for sale.

Back in the city, we ate lunch at Smit's Coffeehouse in front of the Central Station: panakukens with cheese and ham, topped off with the traditional thick syrup known as stroop. We both enjoyed the hearty Dutch food.

Central Station: the clock-face on the left displays the wind direction.

We took the train over to Haarlem for a half-day visit.

The calm was welcome after all the crowds and Queen's Day preparations in Amsterdam.

Stadhuis with 17th Century figure of Justice.

There was a carnival in the Grote Markt because of Queen's Day, providing the strange sensation of the State Fair Midway having been transported back into the 17th Century.

We visited the Frans Hals Museum, located in a former almshouse.

Grote Kerk

Back in Amsterdam, St. Nicholas watches over the city from his church.

My subtitle to this one: Your money cheerfully refunded if you can find the door to leave.

There was a crowd in front of this place every time we walked by. Other photos from the district will remain unposted.

Day trip out of the city: cheese factory at Volendam

The place was clearly geared to tourists, but still fun, and another break from the busy city was relaxing.

Wooden shoe workshop.

We visited the old fishing community of Marken, and then the windmills of Zaanse Schans.

April 30: Queen's Day has finally arrived

View from our hotel room window of the crowd leaving the square after the big ceremony. The place was packed with spectators and media.

Rene's - our breakfast HQ.

We took a stroll through the city enjoying all the partying as spectators.

What a great name for a beer!

Party boats were highly popular, all with kegs and blaring sound systems and some with grills for food as well.

High-volume speakers were everywhere but this old boy seemed oblivious to it all. Bev said maybe he was deaf.

Party on!

here were some activities for kids as well.

And on this note we end our coverage of Queen's Day. Long may Willem-Alexander reign.