Amsterdam

Yes, I know it was a whole ago, but I have the opportunity now to EASILY ADD a few photos, so here goes.




The Amsterdam Flower Market, which rests on pylons in the canal. The traders' stalls open from the road side. Mostly bulbs for sale, but some cut flowers too, plus loads of souvenirs.







Along one canal, when we were waiting for the Canal Bus to arrive.




Bikes were parked everywhere. Where there is space, there is bike parking. I even noticed on one building a sign claiming it was a heritage building, so not to lean bikes against if or they would be removed!





Below is the Amsterdam equivalent of a multi-storey car park. It is only for bicycles, and is too small!!!



We saw some interesting contraptions, parked outside homes, or riding along, with the "bucket" containing one or more young children, Mum or Dad pedalling.


Inside the Royal Palace, in the Great Hall, where all citizens could freely come when it was the Town Hall, before being turned into a Palace by a brother of Napoleon.




This might be the Dutch version of Crocs. Rows of plastic clogs.




The two giant screens, referred to as clocks" in just one of the auction rooms at the flower market we visited.




This is where the bidders sit. Two buyers to each desk, all electronically connected to the system by computers. Rows and rows of them. And below are some of the amazing sights we saw from the elevated walkway. Hundreds of works busy moving the flowers about this enormous warehouse floor, to the correct delivery points.













I love the fact that flowers and shrubs are planted everywhere. As homes in the old area open right onto the street, often we saw flowerpots full of colour, clustered around doorsteps. Can you imagine a Council in Melbourne allowing this? Yet it brings such a colourful vitality to the streets.



Woodsie, on the Canal Bus, just relaxed and taking in the sights.


The Palace in Amsterdam opens right onto Dam Square. If you can see the balcony, where the Royal Family wave to gathered crowds on special occasions. I was right in the balcony room, immediately behind.


Finally, this was the view from our hotel window. Never did find out what this immaculately laid out garden was part of, but I did enjoy seeing it each day.