Amsterdam again

When Daryl decided that we would take a trip to Amsterdam this spring, I was all for it, but had no idea what to expect.  The only thing we knew about was that there are tulips in Holland.   But, there is a lot more to Amsterdam than tulips.

Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands.  Holland is one of the provinces and isn't its own country.  I didn't know that.  Calling the Netherlands, "Holland", is like calling the United States, "Texas".  Most of the 'row homes' along the canals were built in the 17th century and we enjoyed just walking and gawking.

There is a LOT of water there.  The country sits very low so there are canals, ditches, and berms everywhere to control the water.

Amsterdam has a beautiful canal system.  As you walk through the city, the blocks are divided by waterways full of boats.  Some of the canals are lined with very expensive houseboats.

This was the view outside a restaurant we ate in one night.  It was as fun as it looks.  And it looks like fun to me :)

Amsterdam is a bicycle town.  There is a dancing sort of rhythm you have to get to walk around the city without getting run over.  Not that the bikers were rude.  Not at all.  They just have the right of way and they are riding directly beside you.  If they see you getting in their path they ring the little bell on the handlebars.  For real!  It was really a cute sound around town with those little bells ringing.

As I have thought about posting these pictures I realized that I don't have much to say about our trip.  It was a great experience, but one that is better felt than told.  

And it felt great!