If You Ain't Dutch, You Ain't Much!

     Let's start this entry with a Van De Graaff name tutorial. Yes, it is Dutch, yes I was asked if we were Dutch (which I had to respond "No, not since my husband's family emigrated to America long ago," and then the interest was gone) and yes, they enjoyed saying my name and even telling me what it meant or if they knew other Van De Graaff's.  My newfound knowledge is this:  first it is phonetically pronounced "Fon Duh Kraaff," (with the "Kr" rolling together and forming a guttural sound coming from the back of your mouth) second it means "Of the Count," and third they were impressed it had the two a's but surprised with the 2 f's.  Apparently they don't commonly spell it with 2 f's.  

     Now keep in mind this was a VERY small sample of Dutch people I talked to about the name, so if I reported anything incorrectly, do not judge me.

Amsterdam
Europe’s most 17^th century city, it’s built upon millions of pilings.  It is 7 feet above sea level, has more canals than Venice, and almost as many bikes as the 765,000 residents.  During the Dutch Golden Age in the 1600s, Amsterdam was the world’s richest city, an international sea-trading port, and the cradle of capitalism.  Wealthy, democratic middle classmen built a planned city of canals with trees and townhouses topped with fancy gables.  The canals served for defense, water management and transport. 

The Westerkerk (1631), designed by Dutch architect Hendrick de Keyser in the Renaissance style. At 85m (280 ft) the cathedral's steeple is the highest in Amsterdam. Rembrandt’s body is buried somewhere underneath the pews.  The canal houses on the right are characteristic of the architectural styles from the Dutch Golden Age.

Enjoying our Canal Boat tour, even in the rain.  A great way to get acquainted with the city.

Blauwbrug Bridge, built in 1884, is one of the city’s most striking bridges.  It replaced an old wooden version that had connected the shores of the Amstel since the 17th century. Inspired by the Alexander III Bridge in Paris, it features tall, ornate street lamps topped by the imperial crown of Austria, fish sculptures and foundations shaped like the prow of a medieval ship.

Look closely and you may see Seven Bridges, the only place in Amsterdam with seven original bridges left in tact.  Many bridges have been replaced to accommodate trams and other forms of transportation which these arched bridges hinder. Isn't it beautiful?

A bicycle built for two or three or four?  Only in Amsterdam!

Ellie:        I fell in love with Amsterdam from the moment we arrived. I think I liked it more than anyone else in the end. I loved all the canals and waterways, as well as the mode of transportation: bicycles. The Dining with the Dutch was awesome! I loved the traditional Dutch food, as well as the people we met. I even made friends with the 14-year-old boy, Primo! I’m going to miss Amsterdam!