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| The signature gables of Amsterdam's buildings |
Holland has expanded its borders by systemically excluding sea water
from an area, washing the salt from the soil and producing land called a polder
which is then reclaimed for agriculture.The origins of Amsterdam itself came
from the construction of a protective dam on the Amstel River.
Like Venice, much of Amsterdam is built on pilings and as we cruised the network of canals fanning out in a series of concentric crescents from Dam Square, we admired the architectural styles of the gabled buildings.
Passing colourful houseboats and all manner of watercraft, we were struck by the incessant stream of fast moving bicycles on the roads adjoining and crossing the canals, their riders intent on the road ahead - pedestrians beware!
Most houses lining the canals are tall and thin, allowing only the narrowest of stairways. Many have sturdy iron hooks set in their roof lines - some quite elaborate in design. Using the hook, furniture can be hoisted to the appropriate floor then pulled through the window.
We noticed a furniture removal company in action with a specialized crane and small platform utilizing a building's hook moving items from the street to an upper floor. Quite the operation.
Amsterdam has many museums and galleries, one of which houses the world’s
largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings.
Standing a few inches away from Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters and some of his self portraits, it was simply wonderful to get up close to study Van Gogh’s unique brush strokes and use of colour, yellow in particular.
Doug pondered his schoolboy days in Mrs. Hall’s art class when he had been asked to provide a review of Sunflowers. His response had been that it looked like a bunch of dead flowers. Not surprisingly this was not the critique Mrs. Hall had been looking for.
Perhaps it was time for Doug to take the test again.
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| Riderless bicycles lean against the railings, catching a breath before the next assault |
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| Stylish buildings and vibrant greenery |
Passing colourful houseboats and all manner of watercraft, we were struck by the incessant stream of fast moving bicycles on the roads adjoining and crossing the canals, their riders intent on the road ahead - pedestrians beware!
Most houses lining the canals are tall and thin, allowing only the narrowest of stairways. Many have sturdy iron hooks set in their roof lines - some quite elaborate in design. Using the hook, furniture can be hoisted to the appropriate floor then pulled through the window.
We noticed a furniture removal company in action with a specialized crane and small platform utilizing a building's hook moving items from the street to an upper floor. Quite the operation.
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| A view of bridge after bridge |
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| Be prepared for long line ups - its worth the wait |
Standing a few inches away from Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters and some of his self portraits, it was simply wonderful to get up close to study Van Gogh’s unique brush strokes and use of colour, yellow in particular.
Doug pondered his schoolboy days in Mrs. Hall’s art class when he had been asked to provide a review of Sunflowers. His response had been that it looked like a bunch of dead flowers. Not surprisingly this was not the critique Mrs. Hall had been looking for.
Perhaps it was time for Doug to take the test again.
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| The world turned on its side - Doug now an art critic of the highest order. Mrs Hall would be impressed! |
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