![\"Homes](\"http:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/IMG_2601.jpg\")
<\/a>Homes along the canal – typical Amsterdam<\/p><\/div>\n
We passed the West-Indisch Huis, the structure that housed the 17th century Dutch West India Company’s headquarters for trade, including slave trade, between Holland, the Americas, and Africa. \u00c2\u00a0Our walk was peppered with humpback bridges, moored houseboats, and the picturesque \u00c2\u00a0Brouwersgracht (Brewers’ Canal). \u00c2\u00a0Noordermarkt square was empty; but on Saturdays it houses a farmer’s market, on Mondays a flea market.<\/p>\n
<\/a>This particular boat have 6 of these wine bottle trees. Is this my next craft project?<\/p><\/div>\n
We ventured into Zon’s Hofje, where a hidden almshouse surrounds a courtyard at the end of a long passageway. The courtyard was the site of the Mennonites’ church called De Zon. It was demolished in 1755, and the Mennonites held meetings in the courtyard. De Zon was located at the end of the passageway because Mennonites, as not the “official” religion, were not permitted a structure with street frontage.<\/p>\n
<\/a>I want a tower that changes silver into gold<\/p><\/div>\n
The warehouses and brewery warehouses have been or are being converted into chic, upscale living quarters. At 123 Keizergracht we found the house with heads on its facade representing Apollo, Ceres, Mars, Athena, Bacchus (Mike’s favorite), and Diana.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The Huis met de Hoofen at 123Keizersgracht, this facade dates to 1622<\/p><\/div>\n
Then onto Anne Frakhuis, long line and long wait, but worthwhile. This is where Anne Frank (1929-45) hid from the Nazis and wrote her diary. Very moving.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Would you park this car on the street across from the Anne Frankhuis?<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>This delightful residence is permanently moored here in this canal<\/p><\/div>\n
Since we are a group who travels on our stomachs, it’s off to lunch at De Prins, Prinsgracht 124. Beer, wine, a salad with warm ch\u00c3\u00a8vre, and sandwiches. We sat outside soaking up the sun. We had a few instances where we were sure a car or truck would come over the hump bridge and fail to make the turn – ending up at or table on the sidewalk.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Shoe, Carol, and Mike at lunch<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Hope the car makes the turn in time! Or else, join us for lunch!<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>The horse definitely did not want to join us for lunch<\/p><\/div>\n
We continued on our walking tour visiting Westerkerk, strolling past all the elegant houses along Keizersgracht and cutting over to Herengracht. We checked out the exterior of the Nienhuys Mansion, built in 1889 for a tobacco tycoon. We continued on to the “Golden Bend” tracing the evolution of residences of the wealthy in the 17th century.<\/p>\n
<\/a>This blue boat contrasts with the orange one from yesterday<\/p><\/div>\n
After a break back at the hotel to acquire additional layers of clothing, we strolled down through the shopping district (that area where young skinny women indulge in the latest fashion), found a few diamond shops (Mike and Shoe weren’t buying), and stumbled upon the Begijnhof. Begijnhof dates to the 14th century, and though not a convent was a cloister for pious women of Catholic faith. \u00c2\u00a0It was an option for women who did not wish to become nuns and who preferred to live without husbands or children.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The central area of the Begijnhof<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Hydrangea clinging to a fence at the Begijnhof<\/p><\/div>\n
From there we found the flower market (the Bloemenmarkt). The market is some 15 or more stalls located on permanently moored barges. Lots of tulip bulbs, fresh flowers, bonsai plants, and, of course the myriad tourist souvenirs. After a quick walk through the Royal Delft shop right at the market, we headed over to a sidewalk cafe for a glass of wine.<\/p>\n
<\/a>varied calla lilies at the flower market<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Tulip bulbs for sale at the Flower Market<\/p><\/div>\n
Continuing on our stroll, we searched for a place with seafood for dinner. \u00c2\u00a0We found Haesje Claes on Spuistraat. Mike and Shoe had duck leg, Carol\u00c2\u00a0had beef stew, and I had cod filet – perfectly executed with steamed vegetables! Yum! \u00c2\u00a0We headed back to the hotel to call it a day!<\/p>\n
<\/a>When the hour struck, the bells in this tower rang!<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>The back of the barges holding the stalls of the flower market<\/p><\/div>\n
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Before trying the hotel’s breakfast, I was able to find a place to do a plank, crunches, and all those things required by the 7-minute scientific workout. Had to stack the suitcases to make room. But it was completed! Breakfast … Continue reading