Hilversum, Nertherlands
Another busy day today. Marianne took us by train to take in the sights of Amsterdam. To start off, we made our way from the train station (Amsterdam Centraal) along the Prins Henrikkade towards the Maritime Museum. Along the way, we noted the many boats in their docks, the red buses, blue and white trams and an astonishing lift bridge, where the tarmacked road suddenly spilts in half and rises skywards to allow shipping to pass along the Schippersgracht Canal. We also observed a range of old buildings along the way, including ‘Weepers Tower’ which as myth would tell it, was the point where wives would weep for their husbands departing on war ships or heading out to sea to fish.
The Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) was marvellous. Built on an artificial island in Amsterdam Harbour in 1656, to equip the war ships of the Dutch Republic, it now houses a vast collection of seafaring articles, from maps and navigational equipment, recovered ships figure heads, paintings of tall ships and model ships. The Dutch ‘Golden Age’ from 1588 to 1672 tells the story of the rise and fall of science, art, trade, economics and military might in the Netherlands, based on her ability to utilise the sea. Additional displays included the 200 year old gold-leaf ‘Royal Barge’ and the history of whaling.
Moored next to the museum is a beautifully detailed replica of the three masted East Indiaman Clipper ‘Stad Amsterdam’ which sank in a storm in the English Channel in 1749 on its maiden journey to Batavia (Indonesia).
After spending considerable time at the Museum, we walked back into town and picnicked while waiting for our harbour cruise.Our cruise took us along the main waterfront (the Buiten IJ), around the harbour and up and down the canals. An interesting range of accomodation, including house boats and river-side apartments can be viewed from the canal. Amsterdam has more than 100 km of canals, 90 islands and 1500 bridges, giving the city the nick-name of the ‘Venice of the North’. The three main canals (Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht) were built in the 17th century during the ‘Golden Age’ and form concentric belts around the city. These were listed in 2010 UNESCO Heritage Site.
