Day 3: Amsterdam

We are just about on Europe time.  After going to bed around 7pm, Doug was up at 0200 this morning putting the finishing touches on his book.  I slept till 0300.  Tonight we are going to try to stay awake until 9!

Today we took a long "maritime" walk.  Amsterdam was the leading shipping port of the world in the 17th century.  They also are known for their quest for Pepper. It was as valuable as gold. Who knew that?

Our Tour Guide knew that!  She also was able to explain the architecture.  See this very little door...how do you get furniture into this home?


If you look carefully you will see a beam with a hook on it.  This is the way they "pully" their furniture into their homes.  Notice also many of the buildings have a slight forward tilt to them. While some of this is settling into the sandy ground, some is actually by design, so furniture isn't breaking windows.

A replica of a ship from the 17th century that we toured

In the afternoon we took a canal cruise.

And saw 7 bridges all in a row

They do love their bikes.  They are everywhere.  You should see rush hour here!

This is how they get their kids to school!


Came back to the room late afternoon to find that our house is in Escrow.  Not even on the market for a week, and we had multiple offers!

They are already preparing for Christmas

Ummmm.... what is wrong with this picture?

The Maritime Museum we toured was originally built in 1656. The building was originally the shipping center where goods would be loaded, unloaded, and stored there.