Thursday, July 03, 2008

Another Walk In Amsterdam

I'm back in Paris but I thought we'd stay in Amsterdam one more day for a walk...

From the Dam, take Kalverstraat down to the Historical Museum, with its lovely courtyard and café as well as the hilarious portrait (above) of the Royal Family... Back on Kalverstraat, make a left on Spui, cross the Amstel, and keep on going in that direction until you hit the Voorburgwal, in the Red Light District. Keep on going all the way up to no. 40 and visit the Amstelkring Museum, an absolutely amazing Canal House, with its exquisite private chapel and rooms that allow you to see how people lived in the 17th century - some rooms feature lovely blue and white tiles like the one above, and you can also see ancient manuscripts and music books (pic). One block up, also check out one of the most beautiful Gothic churches I have ever seen, the Oude Kerk (picture). Go back down the Voorburgwal or the parallel Oudezijds. Make a right on Damstraat and you're back at the Dam!

17 comments:

Laura Neulat said...

I have printed your itineraries and will follow them next time I visit Amsterdam!

Unknown said...

Mary-laure,recorri las mas importantes librerias de Bs As y nadie tiene ningun libro de Bulgakov, me senti fuera del mapa, antes buenos aires brillaba por su cultura, hoy muchos de los libreros no sabian si Bugakov era libro o autor o uma comida. Probare suerte en Amazon.

mansuetude said...

what does the image on the tile symbolize?

reminds me of Van Goth--don't know why.

long day. sweet dreams.

Rina said...

Mary Laure, me encantaron todas las fotos de tu viaje, la debes haber pasado increíble! Ojalá tengas más para mostrarnos.

marie said...

i love the blue and white tiles!

i really have to visit :)

Solange said...

hi there,
long time I didn't visit, but we are busy with our new home, so lots of work going on.
I love the amsterdam tips you gave, very nice! I live in holland and didn't even know some things you mentioned, it's funny that when it's your own country, you visit less then you do abroad.
have a great day,
Solange :-)

Anonymous said...

you really made amsterdam seem so magical.
nancy

Laura in Paris said...

Very tempted by the Amstelkring Museum! I will make sure I do not miss it!

Mary-Laure said...

KARINA - que increible lo que me contas! Queres que busque aqui? Puedo mandarte un libro por correo si encuentro uno.

MANSUETUDE - I'm not sure it symbolizes anything. The tiles in the house depicted little children playing, rabbits, dogs, it really seemed rather just fun.

SOLANGE - I agree, you know, I also find that when I'm abroad, I explore a lot more than in the city where I live.

NANCY - it IS a magical city!

J Elaine said...

I notice that the Oracle did not join you this time in Amsterdam. I wonder if the Oracle can enlighten us as to whether Amsterdam is a dog-friendly city. Where I live in Paris dogs are welcome in the finest boutiques as well as most restaurants. Oracle please tell . . .

Anonymous said...

Que lindos paseos has hecho, gracias por compartirlos con nosotros.

Hila said...

This is great - you're showing me all the places to go when I visit later onethis year :)

littlebird said...

you' ve clearly had a great time in Amsterdam, thanks for taking us along with you through your wonderful photographs : )

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer Elaine,
What a great question! I have to say I just love Amsterdam. It's a very dog-friendly city. Not only am I welcome everywhere, but there are also lots of parks where I can go (in Paris, most parks are closed to dogs) and everyone seems to find me beautiful; even the subway agents came to speak to my assistant to tell her they found me handsome! I would love to live there...

Unknown said...

Espera que me fije si lo consigo en Amazon en español,o lo puedo leer en ingles.
Si no lo consigo,te aviso.

Unknown said...

Bueno,por fin, los conseguí en Amazon, compre los dos que recomendaste, espero que lleguen pronto, me gusta leer escritores rusos en el invierno.

Mary-Laure said...

KARINA - bueno, cuandos los leas me contas...
Que idea preciosa leer autores rusos en el invierno! Nunca se me habria ocurrido tener autores para las varias estaciones... Me encanta la idea.