Saturday, April 17

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

My plan to explore other parts of Europe at the end of April 2003 began in the Netherlands. Destination: Amsterdam + Rotterdam.
Weather in London had been so gray that it really got to my nerves. Luckily the day I arrived in Amsterdam after a 45min plane ride was surprising warm and pleasant!
Right away I went to a bike store and rented a bike for two days. The first bike I picked was one with brake in the pedal - when you stop you have to pedal backward. I couldn't do that so a bike with hand brake was exchanged.


Typical street along a canal

After a few hours of exploring the city on bike, I took a break at the Van Gogh Museum.

Van Gohg Museum and surrounding - the sloped lawn is the perfect place to soak in the sun!

Crossing the bridge to Borneo Island which is a new residential district.

Bridge, Bike, The Whale building


Another bridge. This one curves up to give clearance for boats.


Part of the island is filled with individual narrow lots most of which are typical models , with one street in particular (picture right) where each lot is designed by different architects.


MVRDV's residential building in a former dockland.


Renzo Piano's Nemo building - Science Center with accessible stepped roof (right)


Dinner at a small restaurant that serves comforting foods.



Random shots of street, market, carnival and night



Can't leave the Netherlands without taking a picture of windmills. ha!

Click for more photos...

Amsterdam on Google Map

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