Going Dutch in Amsterdam, the City Ringed with Canals

Canals, bridges and bikes everywhere!!!.. I felt it's one city with oodles of character and friendly people with an easy air. It wouldn't be long, before a cycle edges past with the rider talking on the mobile phone and one hand on the handlebar. Cycles of all any and every purpose, seem to be out there!.. There was even this tandem bike with a seat in front for the parent, and 2 mini tandem seats at the back for young children.

Yes, that famous bookshelf which hid the entrance to the Secret Annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary. Photography wasn't allowed, but I couldn't resist doing it with a bit of stealth, avoiding the security cameras.. Well, if there's a Will, there's a Way!.. - that bookshelf and the Secret Annexe itself is a testimony to that saying!! ;) , though sadly the family which tried to avoid the Nazi's eyes didn't survive except for Anne Frank's father.., apparently because someone betrayed them to the Nazis.
Vincent van Gogh, Self Portrait in front of the Easel, (Oil on Canvas, done in Paris, Early 1888) van Gogh museum. I so badly wanted to take some photos of the originals for my personal collection, like I got from the museum of impressionist paintings in Paris(Musee d'Orsay). But it wasn't allowed here. (So I've taken this image from the net). First day spent the whole time- almost 10hrs, in museums, at Rijksmuseum and van Gogh museum, with excellent audio guides..


Was wandering in the Bloemenmarkt (the flower market), where among myriad varieties of Tulips and other flowers and bulbs, this caught my eye! A starter kit, if you want to grow your own pot!!.. , with a small potted compost and seeds. Sure, the place has a unique reputation, not just for its 'smoky' air, stoned tourists, but also for its attitude of tolerance, free will and all that. Still, THIS was a surprise for me!! ;)