Day 26--Amsterdam (Rick Steves walk)

 Our trip would be so much less enjoyable and manageable without our new bestie Rick Steves. 

I remember seeing Rick Steves travel shows on PBS as a young adult. I literally never thought they would apply to my life. Leading up to our trip, I watched every video and purchased every book I could. But I have found his free audio app to be the most useful resource of all. He offers an audio walking tour through the “spine” of Amsterdam that we decided to take our first day. It’s designed to be two hours…I think we did it in about four. 

Amsterdam is such a cool city. Everywhere we went, there was so much more to take in than whatever landmark Rick was talking about. It didn’t feel insanely touristy, aside from the crowds of people. The weather was gorgeous and overcast—such a welcome change from the heat and humidity of Switzerland and Germany! 

The walk began at the main train station. Such a pretty building!

             So many touristy shops up and down the Dam.

Beautiful spot Rick directed us to—reminded me so much of Oz!

                 Filling up water at this super cool fish fountain.

    Dam square photos 

The parrot church that was constructed so Catholics could worship illegally. So pretty in the inside!

      The sign outside asks visitors to give 15 minutes to God. 

Tremendous space. I watched a video Rick did  about this place, which made it even more special.

 

                              Coolest Lego store ever.

                                Beautiful candy store.

                                Just a street we liked.

   

Highlights included this beautiful enclave of safety for religious women. Here is the explanation:

Tiny Catholic church because Catholicism was technically condemned, even though all the religious women were Catholics.

This building was built with a modest budget…the pillars aren’t marble at all. But don’t they look amazing? 

The founder of the community was such a devout Catholic that she said she would rather be buried in the gutter than in the community’s large (poorly attended) English reform church. Her fellow sisters kept moving her body outside, until she was finally permanently placed outside as she requested. 

Good example of how the buildings lean.

Gracelyn makes it across the street. Traffic patterns were a little terrifying due to the number of bicycles. 

                       So much fun in the flower district. 

                           Gorgeous store. The lighting!

This was our neighborhood. I honestly couldn’t get enough.

                          This house was for sale! I wish. 

                                              Goats!!