We started out and soon passed restaurants, and museums and a beautiful replica of an old sailing ship.
As we left the harbor and entered the canals we passed an old watchtower and went through the first of several locks. Most of the time they simply remain open. These days they are used to flush fresh water through the canal system and help control the water levels after heavy rains.
There ware a variety of bridges and some beautiful hotels along the way.
We also passed the Heineken Brewery.
The ride was leisurely and picturesque. The houseboats along the canals were of all types and sizes. We were told there are about 2500 houseboats permanently anchored throughout the city.
An interesting thing about living in Amsterdam's tall narrow houses is the method of moving in furniture. Because the houses are so narrow the goods are moved in through the windows. In the photo below you can see the large beam and hook at the top of the home. Household furniture and goods are hoisted up using ropes and cables and these hooks. If you look close, you can also see that many of the homes have about a one foot tilt forward at the top. This has helped to cut down glass breakage on lower floors as the good are raised.
We finished our canal tour and before heading to the station we headed for one last souvenir...
...Gouda cheese!
No comments:
Post a Comment