Fai Quan
formerly known as "Prosaic Traveller"
Amsterdam (12) – Street Scenes
My second last post of Amsterdam are some street scenes that didn’t make it in my previous posts.
Security making their presence on the street
Damstraat. Our hotel was only a couple of short blocks from here. The street is filled with great take-out and restaurants. “Crispy King” had some of the best fries I ever had. I took this photo having an expresso on the patio of a popular restaurant in Dam Square. We were taking refuge under the awnings from the rain.
On Nes, the Flemish Art Center makes use of the barriers surrounding a construction site with a gallery display of photos by local artists. Our hotel was on the opposite side of this narrow path that led to Damstraat.
Our view having coffee at the coffeecompany on Damstraat.
I was on the other side of the canal when this parade of carriages rode by. Accompanied by security, I’m not sure what part of official capacity this was about.
An example of many narrow pathways throughout the city. After a couple of days, we started using these to avoid congestions on the popular crowded streets.
Electrical parking
Sarphatistraat. We took this route to see an old-style Windmill. I wanted to show an example of the transportation system in Amsterdam and how the city accommodates all. From left to right – pedway, south bound bike path, tram rails, one-way car street, north bound bike path and pedway.
This individual hauled out a bunch of bread chunks to feed the pigeons.
A biker and cab driver have a friendly conversation in the middle of an intersection.
Outside a police station on Beurstraat
Part of a two block lineup for Anne Frank house
Begijnhof. A square in the Museum Quarter.
Dutch architecture
Night view of the De L’Europe Hotel
Amsterdam (11) – Houseboats
There are approximately 2400 houseboats located in Amsterdam. The following photos show the variety of boats located around central Amsterdam. Unfortunately, those living in these (aka Wateryuppies), have to put up with the curiosity seekers, such as myself, with camera in hand to interfere in their privacy.
I do appreciate how they make their outdoor space so cozy and livable by adding greenery and comfortable chairs.
Amsterdam (10) – Red Light District
I only have a few pictures of the Red Light District. It has been known that you have to be cautious in using your camera as it may end up in the canal. This belief appeared to be respected as I saw very few picture taking moments from other individuals in this area.
As per our usual walkabout, we discovered this area by accident. The first visit was still early so not much was happening. The second time was later into the evening. Our favourite hamburger place was full so we decided to walk a few blocks over, eat our burgers while watching the action.
Entering the Red Light District. It was early evening so not much action yet.
Taking a chance with the camera. As long as I wasn’t taking a photo of one of the Ladies, I was okay. This was a view from the bench where we ate our burgers and take in the scene.
Keeping my distance…it was dark and I was using my telephoto lens.
Amsterdam (9) – Rembrandtplein
Rembrandtplein is located in the South Canal district just south of the Amstel. A favourite hangout for the younger tourists. Surrounded by cafes and bars, this square boasts an energetic nightlife.
Erected in 1876, this statue of Rembrandt keeps an eye on the square.
Southeast corner of the square
Northeast of the square
South street of the square
I’m sure coffee is the secondary choice of purchase.
Lucky fellow gets a bird’s eye view of the square
West side of the square. We were able to get front row seats, have a great meal and watch the world go by.
Viewing the north side of the square from our dining spot. The bass player was an energetic gentleman that seemed to play the same tune over and over again.
Amsterdam (8) – For the Love of Bikes
During my research on Amsterdam, I found lots of info about bikes. Two warnings were predominant. Bikers were rude and be watchful because they will run you over. I had a fear that our love of exploratory walks will be dampened because of this. However, these were unfounded.
People have to realize that bike riders are no different than car drivers. This is their mode of transportation and they have a designated path to travel on. If you are walking on their path, they will ring their bell to warn you to either step aside or they will be passing you. This should be no different than if you were to walk in the middle of a street that is designated for cars. You just don’t do it.
I have much admiration for this mode of transportation. There is no constant traffic noise from vehicles and the air is much easier to breath. It also represents a much healthier lifestyle for those individuals who ride their bikes.
In the photo above, you can see that the bike path, which is shared by small vehicles, takes up most the lane space. Pedestrians still have a small path to walk. I have respect for the way everyone co-operates in using these lanes.
Three types of traffic lights are used: vehicle, bike and pedestrian.
Parents can keep a watchful eye on their children as most child carriers are located in the front.
A single rider on Damrak. A wider street provides plenty of pedestrian space, bike space and boulevard to separate cars and trams. I was hoping to get a shot of a multi-tasking bike rider. I did see a few carrying an opened umbrella and texting with one hand while the other hand steered.
Bike parking lot located on one of the piers outside of Amsterdam Centraal.
The parking lot at the University
The bikes for sale run around 225 euro. The same bikes would sell for about 25 euro in my town. It almost appears that the bike with the worse condition are the popular ones.
Milk crates seems to be the carrier of choice.
Fit for a family
Front end carriers can be pretty.
As well as the bike.
Amsterdam (7) – At Oosterdok and Dijksgracht
Just east of Amsterdam Centraal, where Oosterdok and Dijksgracht canals meet, there is the Nemo Science Center and Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum).
Het Scheepvaartmuseum is located in a former naval storehouse. “Amsterdam” is a replica of an 18th century ship which sailed between the Netherlands and the East Indies.
Inside the museum
I wish I had my wide angle lens. It would have given a better perspective of the expanse of the interior.
The glass roof of the courtyard is inspired by the compass rose on the nautical maps.
Tall ships moored inside the harbour.
Nemo Science Centre provided a great view of the city as you will see from the following four photos.
Across the bridge from the Science Center is the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
A lonely bike rider passing the fountain outside the Nemo Science Center.
Amsterdam (6) – Cafes, Restaurants and Eateries
The abundance of eateries in Amsterdam sure made it difficult but yet easy for options. Difficult in the sense that there was so much to choose from but yet easy because you did have to search for a place to eat. On Nes, where our hotel was located, must have had at least 7 fine dining restaurants and pubs. Each evening we walk along the narrow pathway to find all these establishments packed full of patrons.
“The Lobby” – This restaurant and bar was located within our hotel, Hotel V Nesplein. If we plan on having supper there, we were advised to make reservations. Because we didn’t want to commit on a date and time, we never did and believed that we would be able to walk-in. Wrong! This place was packed every evening. However, we did have breakfast there one morning (thus the photo above) and it was the best Eggs Benedict I ever had.
“coffeecompany” on Damstraat. Not only good coffee but the pastries were to die for.
“Majestic” at Dam Square. We never did stop at this establishment. Located at Dam Square, it would have been a great people watching experience.
Stedeijk Museum Restaurant. A rainy day prevented patrons from enjoying the outside patio.
“De Brakke Grond Cafe” located on Nes next to our hotel. This cafe is part of the Flemish Arts Centre, which is a place where Flemish artists can present their work.
“Langendijk”. We stopped in here on our venture to see an Old Style Windmill. This is where I got my first taste of Bitterballen. Delicious!
“Burger Zaken” on Damstraat. This eat-in or take-out cafe serves juicy and tasty burgers. You’ll see my husband, Rod, sitting inside the entrance waiting for our take-out. We consumed ours on a bench in the Red Light District (located a couple of blocks away) and watched the curiosity seekers.
“Bagels and Beans” Serves a wide selection of bagels and spreads.
“Rene’s” on Damstraat. Everyday we stopped here for a tasty pastry treat.
A couple bowls of hot soup was enjoyed on the top floor of this Asian Restaurant on Damstraat.
Amsterdam (5) – Canals Two
The second post of the canals focuses on the commercial aspect. Amsterdam makes good use of the larger canals for the tourist boats whether it be large or small. Unfortunately, I will not be able to remember the location of some of these canals so some photos will not have this indicated.
Across the front plaza of Amsterdam Centraal is a tourist booth with eating area and access to a boat tour.
There were a number of boat tours to choose from. Conveniently located on Damrak perpendicular to Amsterdam Centraal, shown here on the right-hand side. We had planned on using one of our days for such a tour but ran out of time.
Rokin Canal
The Amstel
The intersection of Rokin, Amstel and Kloveniersburgwal canals. Hotel de’l’Europe on the right.
Tourists makes use of two types of canal sightseeing. Captain Morgan on the left is representative of smaller vessels with private parties. These looked like they would be more fun.
A night view of the tourist boat selection in Damrak canal.
A tourist boat station on Rokin
Amsterdam (4) – Canals One
As a child, my imagination of the canals in Amsterdam did not live up to what I have seen. I never would have imagined the one hundred kilometres with 1500 bridges and 90 islands. I definitely did not envision the beauty. The following photos only depict a small portion of these waterways. It would be so cool to live next to these.
Amsterdam (3) – De Krijtberg Kerk
This Roman Catholic Church is located on south end of Singel. It was by chance that we came across this church on one of our exploratory walks. My intention was to visit the houseboat for stray cats on Singel. When we discovered the boat wasn’t open to the public for a couple more hours, we just kept walking down the street. I’m always fascinated with the beauty of interior churches and when an opportunity is there, I take advantage of the situation.
Fai Quan 