Amsterdam - canals day and night
Regina
Espen Aalstad
Sat 1 Sep 2007 22:30
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52:22.93N 04:54.38E
Another lock from Enkhuizen onto Markenmeer before
we came to Amsterdam. Recommended as the best port Six Haven was
indeed perfectly located across the railroadstation yet that was
it. Squeezed between a run down dock & a few houseboats and very small
it goes on the bottom of our port list so far. Yet an experience! Two meter
manouver room is not much for a 15 meter boat...and worse when you do not know
it entering. A remarkable Mr. Havenmeister with his whistle made room for
us too. Fortunately, we discovered we could move to Harleem the next day at
the starting lock of our next canal cruise. Sightseeing from there was
perfect through ethnic market and onto Damplaas for pidgeons and clows. A
loooong walk around the canals (our daily exercise is actually doing well so
far). We should have biked like the natives.
Anne Frank's house was the highlight for all:
especially for Elin just fresh from history class and also for Einar a good
lesson in another reality. A sad and moving tour through her house; though also
inspirational mark of stamina and human rights. Amsterdam was just as
lively and multicultural as expected - and mostly sunny.
At 1:45 am we cast
off for the Staaende Mast Canal South with nine other boats. This is the
only time the railroad bridges will open. 2 RR bridges and 12
others in the first two hours in moonlight - while the bridgemaster raced
on his bike to open them all! A quick sleep and then timed opening for the next
bridge at 8 am direction Rotterdam.
Into Haarlem
 This house is actually leaning over
 All the houseboats
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