Those of you who knew Derek ten years ago, when he was an AFS student living with us, may be wondering about my use of the name “Dirk.” Well, in the Netherlands, “Dirk” is pronounced almost like “Derek” is in the US. Dirk took pity on us, and just went with Derek, even though he is Dirk.
The other thing he is, is a great tour guide and host. You may have already read some of the Dutch posts. This one gives a view of Amsterdam, a very happening city. Dirk has lived here for the last ten years, and knows it well, (even though he’s not too sure where the tulips are in Holland). Dirk lives with his girlfriend Kiki in a great flat with a terrace in back. Kiki is a beautiful photographer, and probably too good for Dirk :‑), but we’re happy for their happiness together anyhow.
Bicycles and canals are the words to describe Amsterdam. There are bikes everywhere, and one needs to be cautious to not be run over. All ages ride bikes. Parents have special seats and buckets to haul around young children on bikes. It is a biking culture. I guess that’s what you get with a really flat country.
There is water all over the place too. In the evenings and on weekends, the canals are flooded with boaters. There are all kinds of boats, though not many in the style popular in the US on our inland lakes and rivers. Families and groups of all kinds take to the water and just cruise around.
Here are some shots of Amsterdam:
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- The emergency squads taking groups of disabled children around with sirens blaring and lights flashing
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- Bike locks at the market
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- When even Ellen has to duck, it’s a short door
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- Reflection in the glass at Dirk’s restaurant
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- Houseboats on canal
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- In the back at Dirk and Kiki’s place
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- The tower is the old mint
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- Dutch cheese at the market
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- They use pulleys and lines to lift furniture into apartments
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- Dirk and Kiki’s place
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- The market – famous for cheese, bike locks, and socks
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- Posing with statue of famous Amsterdam folk singer
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- The Anne Frank House is enclosed in this building
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- “I Amsterdam” is the Dutch equivalent to “I heart NY”
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- Market with all kinds of marijuana gear
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- On a free ferry that crosses the river
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- Slippers in the shape of wooden shoes
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- Bike parking lot
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- Nicish house along a canal
What fun you are having with Dirk! If you are still there, say hello from me. (Didn’t he visit Door Co. with you?)
Mom
No picture of the Beautiful Photographer Kiki?