Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, boasts a rich and fascinating history that has shaped its unique character.  Known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, the city has evolved remarkably over centuries, blending tradition with modernity.

Amsterdam's story began in the 12th century as a humble fishing village at the south of the Amstel River. The construction of a dam in the river around 1270 marked a pivotal moment.  This ingenious dam not only regulated water levels but also fostered trade, transforming Amsterdam into a bustling hub of commerce. By 1300, Amsterdam grew steadily, though its wooden structures made it vulnerable to fires.  As a consequence, only a few medieval buildings still stand today.  These remnants of early Amsterdam reflect its enduring charm and historical significance.

The 17th century heralded Amsterdam's Golden Age, a period of extraordinary prosperity and cultural flourishing.  As the world's leading trading hub and financial center, Amsterdam became synonymous with wealth and innovation.  Its iconic canals were constructed during this time, creating an elegant cityscape that remains enchanting today.  The city's architectural marvels from this era include structures such as the royal palace and numerous canal houses. Amsterdam's intellectual climate also thrived during this period.  The city was a beacon of tolerance, attracting thinkers and artists from across Europe.  This cosmopolitan spirit contributed to its reputation as a center of creativity and progressive ideas.

In addition to the arts and creative thinkers, the late 17th century brought challenges as wars and economic shifts marked the end of the Golden Age.  Despite adversity, Amsterdam retained its status as a major financial hub during the Age of Gold and Silver (1672-1795).  The city's resilience is evident in its enduring prosperity and architectural expansion during this time.  However, the French occupation in 1795 initiated a period of decline.  Economic stagnation led to vacant homes and deteriorating infrastructure. Yet, even through hardship, Amsterdam preserved elements of its historical grandeur. 

Amsterdam's history is not merely a tale of triumphs but also one of resilience against challenges.  From its modest beginnings to its dazzling Golden Age and eventual resurgence as a modern metropolis, Amsterdam remains an animated testament to human ingenuity and adaptability - a truly timeless city.

Today, Amsterdam is celebrated for its cosmopolitan allure and cultural richness.  Known as the "Venice of the North," its canals weave through neighborhoods brimming with museums, cafes, and vibrant markets.  Its streets are delightfully adorned with bicycles, reflecting the eco-friendly lifestyle of its residents.  Numerous parks offer serene escapes from the urban energy, while cozy cafes serve aromatic coffee and delectable pastries and desserts.  

The city's enchanting canals, historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods make Amsterdam irresistibly alluring.  Today, Amsterdam truly shines as a dazzling gem in Europe. We are excited to be back in this exciting city and are anxious to get out and explore it.

 

 

 

 

Tour, Day 1: Thursday, April 17, 2025

Keukenhof Gardens, famously known as the "Garden of Europe," is a breathtaking floral paradise nestled in Lisse, Netherlands.  Spanning just under 80 acres, this vibrant spring garden bursts into a kaleidoscope of color each year showcasing over 7 million blooming bulbs, predominantly tulips, alongside hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, and orchids.  As we strolled along the winding pathways, we were enveloped by waves of vivid petals that rippled like a living tapestry, painting the landscape with every shade imaginable--from fiery reds and sunny yellows to delicate pinks and regal purples.

The gardens are a masterpiece of horticultural artistry, blending formal geometric tulip beds with naturalistic English and Japanese-style gardens, tranquil ponds, and charming windmills that evoke classic Dutch charm.  The air was perfumed with the sweet fragrance of blossoms while the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft hum of bees created a symphony of springtime life.   

 

 

At one time these luscious gardens were the kitchen garden for a 15th century castle.  Over the years it has evolved and now invites over a million visitors annually to witness nature's spectacular rebirth. Each year, expert gardeners plant a new design of 1,600 bulb varieties, which ensures that a fresh and enchanting display will last for eight glorious weeks from mid-March to mid-May.  We wandered through the themed gardens, enjoyed the iconic windmill, and lost ourselves in the vibrant maze of flowers.

 

We were fortunate to spend a few hours in the gardens, managing to walk over 3.5 miles throughout our visit.  The gardens provided us with an unforgettable celebration of color, life, and Dutch floral heritage and we enjoyed every moment we had there. 

Tour, Day 2:  Friday April 18, 2025

We had another amazing tour today, with visits to the villages of Zaanse Schans and Edam, and a delicious cheese-making factory. As we meandered our way to the village of Zaanse Schans, we passed scenic pastureland dotted with farmhouses and grazing animals.  Zaanse Schans, nestled by the gentle bends of the Zaan River just outside Amsterdam, is a living canvas where Dutch history is alive in vibrant color.  This re-created village is not merely a collection of quaint houses and windmills; it is an immersive journey into the golden heart of the Netherlands, were the air is thick with the scent of fresh stroopwafels (traditional Dutch cookie), and the landscape is painted in a thousand shades of green.

As we strolled through the village of Zaanse Schans, it felt like stepping into a storybook.  We passed emerald wooden houses, their facades trimmed in crisp white lines, cobblestone paths that wound past lush meadows and placid canals.  The signature green paint which was once a sign of prosperity now a symbol of regional pride, dominated the scenery, making the village glow with a timeless charm.  The houses, many of which dated back to the 18th and 19th centuries, were painstakingly relocated here in the 1960's, their timber bones ferried by boat and trucks to preserve the spirit of old Holland.

The true stars of Zaanse Schans were its windmills, their sails turning lazily in the breeze, echoing the industrious past of the region, once the beating industrial heart of Western Europe.  In the village's heyday, over 600 windmills lined the river, their rhythmic clatter powering sawmills, oil presses, and paint factories.  Today, only a handful of windmills remain.  Zaanse Schans is more than a museum.  It is a celebration of Dutch craftsmanship.  

We had the opportunity to enter the clog workshop and watch artisans shape shoes from blocks of wood.  Both modern and ancient methods for production of the wooden clogs were demonstrated and later made available for sale.  

The aroma of fresh bread wafted from the bakery museum, where we were invited to taste the bread, made in the traditional manner. 

As we wandered, the pastoral beauty was punctuated by the laughter of local children, as well as tourists, feeding sheep.  

 

There were gentle quacks of a mother duck ensuring that her babies crossed the street safely to reach the banks of the pond, and there was the distant hum of a small boat gliding by in one of the nearby canals.  In spite of its popularity as a tourist site, we found Zaanse Schans to be a place where history is not just preserved but lived--a vibrant tableau where the past and present dance together in the Dutch wind.

 

After we left the village of Zaanse Schans, we stopped at De Simonehoeve, Volendam, a cheese-making factory, wooden shoe factory, and a large gift shop.  We only had about one hour, but I could have shopped here for hours!  Nestled in the lush Dutch countryside, De Simonehoeve is a vibrant tapestry of tradition and taste.  

As we disembarked the bus and approached the building, the air was perfumed with the rich aroma of artisanal cheeses, each wheel a golden tribute to generations of craftsmanship.  Inside the atmosphere hummed with warmth--wooden beams overhead, shelves brimming with wheels of creamy Gouda and Edam, and friendly cheese makers eager to share their secrets to making excellent cheese.  Here, cheese is not just food, but a celebration of Dutch heritage, their method of making cheese lovingly demonstrated for us. 

Beyond cheese, the gift shop invited us to savor the delicious cheese, each bite bursting with local flavor.  Souvenir shelves glittered with colorful clogs, made in another room of the factory,  charming trinkets, and perfect souvenirs of our visit. Our visit to De Simonehoeve was more than a shop--it was a joyful immersion into the heart and soul of the Netherlands.  

Our last stop on today's tour was a visit to Edam, a charming town nestled in the northwest Netherlands on the serene shores of Lake IJesselmeer.  Edam is a vibrant jewel of North Holland.  

Famous worldwide for its iconic Edam cheese, this picturesque town enchanted us with its quaint streets, historic architecture, and lively markets.  The air was tinged with the rich, nutty aroma of its celebrated cheese, a culinary treasure that has been crafted here for centuries.  In addition to its famed cheese, Edam also boasts a delightful blend of light manufacturing and cultural heritage, making it a dynamic yet peaceful place to explore.  With a population of around 28,000, it balances small-town warmth with a spirited community life.  

Strolling through Edam felt like stepping into a living postcard, where the past and present dance together in harmony.  The town's idyllic setting by the water invites leisurely strolls and sipping coffee on the sidewalks as you soak up the local Dutch charm.  

In Edam, every corner tells a story, and every bit of its cheese is a taste of tradition and craftsmanship.  This enchanting town was not just a stop on our tour, but a sensory journey into the heart of the Netherlands.

Amsterdam is a vibrant city, beautifully situated along picturesque canals.  Its historic architecture is meticulously preserved, with colorful buildings and intricate bridges.  The city is lively, with enthusiastic locals and vibrant cultural events.   Its surrounding villages give visitors a glimpse of a more peaceful, traditional life.

Amsterdam is charmingly eclectic and offered us a memorably rich experience.  We enjoyed our time here and our visit to Keukenhof Gardens, the village of Zaanse Schans and delightful Edam, and especially our visit to the cheese factory. Although we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here it's time for us to continue our voyage.  Next stop will be in Germany, at the thriving metropolis of Hamburg where we will enjoy another overnight visit.