Amsterdam - Truly a place to be!!!

Tomorrow, three wonderful days of Amsterdam come to a close. Amsterdam is a very progressive way of life. It is built upon millions of pilings but even more interesting than that is that it thrives on cozy cafes, great art, good living and the true spirit of "'live and let live."" There are about 800 000 people and just about as many bikes. You could get squashed easily if you don't watch where you walk. A tram, a bus, a bike or scooter will flatten you. It is as unique as it is astounding. It's a place to come if you really want to feel short - even G feels short here or at least he finally feels like he's among his own now. It wouldn't matter, though, what you looked like or how you were dressed here because everyone is permitted to just be as they wish. There isn't a shortage of people spending money. Economic crisis here? Nope. Even the locals are out eating, drinking and buying.
We leave by train to head to my mother's home town of Almelo which is the eastern part of Holland close to the German border. That is probably why is was so heavily occupied during the war. We will be treating ourselves to a few days in an all-inclusive resort so that it will give us time to search out my family which I've been having a great deal of trouble with.

Here in Amsterdam over the last two days, we've been busy visiting many different sorts of places. Yesterday, we spent some time in The Anne Frank House and were very moved. We were permitted to venture up into the back of the jam factory and into the attic behind the actual bookcase that hid two families. It was a very quiet and somber experience.
Next, we visited Chinatown because they are celebrating Chinese New Year here and so we went for Dim Sum down their main street.
This just so happens to be right beside The Red Light District. Naturally, we had to visit there as well. Quite an eye opener I'll tell you. Only 5% of the women originate from Holland and all are part of a union which is carefully monitored and secured. Several of the women make up to and beyond 500€ per day. (close to 800-1000 dollars) It is truly a red area because all along the small cobblestone walkways are little latern lights with red bulbs in them. As you walk along the path and view what is for sale, you nod to the woman behind the door and she opens the door to let you in and then draws the curtain. Strangely enough, the area is bustling and busy and picture signs are everywhere that warn parents to hold onto their children's hands.
Today we had a very leisurely morning and headed out to walk the 2 kms to the Van Gogh Museum - a dream of mine as he, as well as Monet, is my favourite artist. There is an incredible collection of his works held in a very modern building. Gerhard opted for the hand-held audio of the exhibition because he didn't know very much about Van Gogh. So now, after two hours of walking his life, listening to his history and looking at his paintings, Gehard has a better understanding of why some of his work is the way it is.
We also visited the actual Rembrandt House. Rembrandt is one of G's favourite painters so it was a pleasure to visit the actual 4 floors of his life.
Today, we did quite a bit of walking - about 7 hours worth. Seems we are getting our backpacking legs now. The first day that we picked up our backpacks and hoisted them onto our backs and then walked 2 kms was a very difficult day. It was the first day in Brussels. Now, it is as if they have always been plastered to our backs. I guess sitting on our butts for most of the driving trip throughout North America didn't do much for our physical fittness.
Until later,
Love J and G