Holland: a country that feels like "home"

(A link on any of the pictures means there is a bigger view available in the Gallery. Click on the picture, and then use the "back" button on your browser to return.)

The "spokes" of the wheel making up the heart of Amsterdam can be clearly seen in this picture.

Amsterdam is a fascinating city, and I couldn't get over the "feeling" of history, of ancient buildings, of winding streets and age-old trees everywhere. It seemed to breathe out of everything. About 20,000 buildings make up the historical city centre (800 hectares). One third was built before 1850.

In the course of the 17th century the famous crescent shape of the Amsterdam city centre was designed and realised resulting in the unique ring of canals.

Amsterdam is a treasure-house of more historic buildings and sites than any other city in the world. According to the most recent data (January 1, 1997) there are 6,917 historic buildings in Amsterdam which fall under the jurisdiction of the national government. Lined up side by side these historic buildings would form a row 52 kilometres long. (Info found here.)

The best way to discover Amsterdam - in a glass-domed boat.
The guides know what they are talking about, and the scenery is spectacular! This boat is passing along Singelgracht.
The ring of canals (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht; the Dutch word "gracht" means "canal") is the location of approx. 2,200 buildings, 1,550 of which are listed as historic buildings.

The Damrak, one of the typical city-centre streets.

Amsterdam has lots of streets, wonderful shopping, and some hidden-away little alleys where only bicycles can fit through. Once source says there are about 750 000 bicycles in the city.

Holland - page 2
Holland - page 3
Holland - page 4
Holland - page 5

KIBANA-SHAKUNAGE (Rhododendron aureum): One of the Alpine Rhododendrons. Its pale-yellow color is expressed in both the Japanese and the Latin name (image).