Tuesday, 4 October 2011

Amsterdam (Day 3 - afternoon cont.) - the 24th of September 2011



From the Tropenmuseum we walked back to the Singelgracht heading in the direction of Plantage along the Artis.

















We unexpectedely came across a few tin and wood sculptures decorating the surroundings of Kattenburggegracht and as I was taking a photo realised that one was actually a gentleman naked from the waist up quietly sunbathing.

















When we reached the Plantage Kerklaan we turned right so as to visit the Entopotdock, a stretch of typical 19th century warehouses with flat brick façades along the dockside. Having been part of a free port when owned by the Dutch East Company, they have since then been converted into offices and appartments interspersed by Cafés and restaurants. The whole atmosphere was quite  "inspiring" ...
















In  next to no time we were back on the Prins Hendrikkade facing the Nemo and a few little boat houses around the Floating Pagoda - Amsterdam's most famous Chinese floating restaurant.







Upon having reached the Oudezidjs Voorburgwal we decided to visit a lovely 17th century house with a hidden church on its upper floors. On's Lieve heer op Solder (Our Lord in the attic) is one of the many examples of clandestine churches built during the Alteration. having been built in 1661, this spout-gabled Canal house belonging to Jan Hartman, a Catholic merchant, combined its attic with the attics of smaller houses behind to create the hidden church.





The Sael was a superb example of the Dutch Classical style (fashionable then) according to the guide, whilst the hidden church at the top of the stairs was remodelled in a Baroque style.



  






On the way to the town centre two things caught my attention  - a bicycle with an easily identifiable handle bar ... and a beautiful old building ...





We had a delicious dinner in a Thai restaurant on the way home and as we were getting to the hotel I took a few more pictures ... the last  ones of the day ...





... We would be flying back home the following day ... and like almost every time I travel ... I felt it would be difficult to re-adapt to the Lisbon routine again ... 









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