Amsterdam, Netherlands May 3, 2017
The two hour 15 mile voyage in the North Sea Canal to and from Amsterdam was an interesting experience in itself. It was necessary to go through a lock since much of the Netherlands is below sea level. The cruise ship terminal in Amsterdam is near Central Station and I walked from the ship to the Rijksmuseum and back. Amsterdam is a marvelous walking city because of its canals and unique architecture.
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As the Zuiderdam approaches the cruise ship terminal, we see some interesting architecture. Above seems to be office buildings built over the water. You must remember there is a scarcity of land in The Netherlands.
Condominiums and apartments built along the waterfront
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Riverboats near the cruise ship terminal
The Zuiderdam had to pass by the terminal and turn around before docking. We got a look at some neighborhoods in the meanwhile
Right away you can see that Amsterdam is a city of waterways. Some of the riverboats are enormous
Docking at the terminal
They start loading the supplies immediately
As we leave the ship, we are greeted by a men’s chorus
Leaving the cruise ship terminal and walking toward Central Station
Passing the enormous bicycle rack. Amsterdam probably has more bicycles than any other city in the world
Central Station
Some of the building lean. Inside they have narrow winding staircases. The bars high up that you see sticking out are for bringing up furniture which goes in through the windows
There are many of these small canals throughout the city
Notice the Statue of Liberty
The pancake house on the corner in the same neighborhood
Most of the canal boat tours originate here
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On the bridge
Beurs van Berlage (former stock exchange now a culture hall)
The city has an extensive system of streetcars. This one is approaching Dam Square
Dam Square. The Royal Palace is on the left
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This is a familiar corner going back to my first visit to Amsterdam when I stayed in a nearby hostel
Approaching the Mint Tower Bridge
The Mint Tower
Street cars, canal boats, and bicycles
Zooming in on the National Opera and Ballet Theater
Floating flower shops
Colorful bouquets
Tulips
Cannabis seeds
Cheese shop
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Bicycles and floating flower shops. Notice the interesting building on the right
Shutters
Stadsschouwburg-Amsterdam’s municipal theatre
Bicycles. How do you find your own?
Coffee shops sell marijuana in many forms but I am told the coffee is not that good. Also there is a difference between “coffeeshop” and a “coffee shop.” That is an important distinction in what is served
Tulips outside the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum
The back garden of the Rijksmuseum
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Adjacent to the Rijsmuseuam is the Van Gogh Museum
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On the way back to the ship, I stopped here for a sandwich and a cup of coffee
Pedestrian street
The entrance to The Begijnhof: one of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam that was originally a home for lay Catholic women. It dates back to the 14th Century
Today it consists of privates residences-one or two rooms. On the grounds is a chapel of the English Reformed Church
The neighborhood near St. Nicholas Church
Walking along a canal
Shopping Street
Magna Plaza Shopping Mall: formerly the Amsterdam Post Office
Crossing the Damrak Street Bridge on the way back to the terminal
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The Zuiderdam departed Amsterdam at 6 p.m.. The sun broke through after a very gray day. The 16 mile trip to the ocean on the North Sea Canal was a fascinating trip. From the top of the ship, I could readily see what it means to be a modern industrial nation.
Leaving the city behind
Disapppearing freeway. There is a tunnel under the channel
Oil storage
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Container dock
Power plant
It appears that both coal, oil, and wind are used to provide power
Road ferry across the channel
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Much of the Netherlands is built on polder land
I waved back
Farm land
Draw bridge at the entrance to a small boat harbor
Another ferry crossing linking the highway on the other side
IJmuidan: city at the west end of the canal near the North Sea
The Zuiderdam enters the South lock at Ijmuiden
The lock closes
In the lock
Exiting the lock after the ship is raised to sea level
Sunset as we pass a steel factory on the other side of the lock
The beach at the entrance to the North Sea Canal
Awesome sunset at the Zuiderdam sails out of the North Sea Canal into the open sea heading for Copenhagen