Day 24- Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Disembarking in Amsterdam

By Ellen Outten
Welcome to Amsterdam 

We disembarked at 8:30 am after breakfast.  Our cab was waiting for us and took us to our hotel, The Bank Hotel.  I stayed here in 2023 with Beth because this hotel has an elevator! A rare find in Amsterdam or in much of Europe for that matter.

Views of Amsterdam 

Everywhere you look, there's a bicycle.  And look out.  They will run you down.  


Our room wasn't ready, but that's no surprise. It was 9 am, but we were able to store our luggage and spend the day in Amsterdam on our own.

I had a 10:45 am ticket to the Anne Frank museum and house.  Wayne and I walked to the museum plenty early.  He didn't have a ticket.  He had been in the house about 40 years ago and didn't want to go in again.  They let me in early, as I was a solo ticket.  It's a timed entrance and opens at 9 am and doesn't close until 10 pm.  There is a solid line from opening to closing.  Tickets have to bought on a Tuesday, 6 weeks in advance, at 10 am  Amsterdam time (1 am Phoenix time).  Beth and I tried to get them 2 years ago but they were closed.







View from inside the museum. The view they could never see while in hiding.

The first set of steps to the 2nd floor 

Another view from the windows inside 

The famous bookcase behind which they all hid.



A very steep set of steps behind the bookcase to climb into the rooms they used to hide.


Original kitchen counter and sink



It was worth it to finally gain access.
It's a self guided audio tour taking you from room to room, behind the bookcase and up the stairs to their hiding place.

The story and the portrayal paints a sobering tale.

Wayne waited outside and when I returned, we had a late breakfast of Dutch pancakes with apple, raisin, brown sugar mixture and some bacon.   It was delicious.




From there we took a canal cruise.  Wayne had never taken one.  It was about an hour long pleasant. It wasn't as good as the one I took with Beth in 2023, but it was enjoyable.  and we have been entirely successful with the weather.  It was sunny and cool. A perfect day in Amsterdam.

Views from the canal cruise 


















Amsterdam is a really neat city...it's young and while some of the architecture is older, it seems like an active city.  Everyone is on a bicycle or walking.  

We walked back to the hotel, and we're able to check in.  Time to chill, and relax.  I took a shower in something other than the size of a matchbox.  Yeah!

We ordered a taxi for the morning to get to the airport.  Home, soon!







Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 21, 2025 at 8:08 AM

    Love the pics &. Commentary! Seeing where the Frank family hid had to Dan emotional experience. Come home safely- we miss you

    ReplyDelete
  2. Luke WoodJune 2, 2025 at 4:55 AM

    Disembarking in Amsterdam offers stunning views and vibrant culture. For an unforgettable experience, combine it with a Private boat trip Ayia Napa, enjoying exclusive luxury on water, perfect for relaxation and exploring beautiful coastal scenery.

    ReplyDelete

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