Go Dutch!

Holland-American SS Rotterdam

The Dutch are the most positive, kind spirited and energetic people I have ever met.  And this despite their poor climate and a diet that consists mainly of raw fish, french fries and mayonnaise.  They remain cheerful under the cloudy skies and almost constant 20mph wind, riding their bikes with their beautiful children on the front and back, hauling their groceries in their panniers and walking along the beautiful canals.

Amsterdam was very busy as it was a national holiday; Ascension Day.  Who knew?  Obviously everyone but us heathens.  We were lucky to meet up with our good friends Maureen and Paul. We did a canal cruise which kept us out of the cold and wind for much of the time.   I kept looking for all of the things that Amsterdam is famous for, but other than the canals and frites, I didn't see a thing.  I did get a whiff but that was all.

The bike path system in the cities is a sight to behold.  So well organized and safe, unless you have stupid Americans walking around. We had a couple of close calls!

Just one level of the bike garage.

                     

Estimated 300,000 bikes inside

Cube houses in Rotterdam

Market Place

  After our two days in Amsterdam, we were taken under the large wings of the Warmerdam family.  I have never seen so many tall, handsome people in my life. They were celebrating having Maureen and Paul back in the fold, and were kind enough to include us in the festivities.  After a beautiful party on Saturday, we all descended upon Liane and Randall in Rotterdam where we toured the beautiful city.  It is a clean and modern city and the largest port in the  world. This was the place of embarkation for the Warmerdams and millions others like them right after the war as they immigrated to the US.

Pottertjes, hot Dutch delicacy served with butter and sugar

Dutch homes are typically built very narrow and tall.
For the tallest people in the world, they have the
tiniest and steepest stairs ever encountered.

STEEP stairs

Beautiful bike path.  Look before you walk!