The first town we visited was very small. It was called Edam after the cheese that is produced in the region. It had to be one of the prettiest and most peaceful places we have ever visited. Small canals, tidy houses, beautiful flowers with everyone either walking or riding their bikes.
A Peaceful Canal
A typical house in Edam
The second town called Volendam was larger and a lot more touristy. It is a located on a huge lake and has a long waterfront promenade. The wind was up but we enjoyed the walk and stopped by the lake for our lunch.
Many kinds of fish including kibberling (cod)
We then took a ferry across to Marken, an old fishing village that was basically abandoned until the government built a causeway.
Typical Dutch house.Very tidy.
As we drove it was amazing how quickly the city disappeared and there was green pastures as far as we could see. 70% of the land in this tiny country is cultivated and most of it is reclaimed from the sea,rivers and lakes. This is what made the windmills so famous, as they were used to harness wind energy to lift the water up from the dikes, divert it into canals and drain the land. This work continues today as the Dutch deal with rising sea levels. It also promotes a popular local saying, " God made the Earth, but the Dutch made Holland."
Today we spent touring some of the city's sites, starting with the Anne Frank Huis. I read her diaries years ago but for the life of me could not tell you that she was hiding in Amsterdam. Another plus for travelling as it brings so much that we have read over the years to life. This is a very popular spot with long lines but we only had to wait 15-20 mins.
The secret entrance behind the bookcase
Anne Frank
Anne Frank wrote her diaries while she and her family were in hiding during WWII when The Nazis occupied the Netherlands. They were a Jewish family who hid in the back of the business owned by the father. They lived there for two years before being discovered and shipped off to concentration camps where they all died except for Otto who published his daughter's diaries and preserved the house to tell the story. A really moving visit.
We then went to the Red Light District which is an experience in itself. This neighbourhood has hosted the world's oldest profession since 1200. It can be very offensive in that there are many images of graphic sex, exploited women, stoned visitors and whatever!
Notice the couple behind Don.
We have never experienced anything like it. A full district built up around scantily dressed prostitutes of all colours, shapes and ages.There seems to be sections for women of different countries, Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe. These women stand or sit in rows and rows of windows waiting for business. When the curtains are closed the business is taking place. We went in the day and it was busy so can imagine what the nights are like there!
There were many signs saying no photos of the women so I borrowed a few images to give you an idea. These women are wearing much more than the ones we saw!
We also visited The Museum of The Lord in the Attic, a secret church built in 1663 during the period when Catholics were forbidden from worshipping. A wealthy businessman built this church across the top of three canal houses right in the middle of the Red Light District. It is three stories high and outfitted as a fully functioning sanctuary.
After a full day of walking we decided to pick up ingredients for a supper in tonight. Sometimes it is easier on the stomach and wallet!
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