Amsterdam in rain

Finally I have some pictures from the Xpan again. This time it's what I shot when I went to Europe for business trip. I got a full day in Amsterdam (arriving at 7 in the morning). It's already the third time I visited Amsterdam: first time in Sep 2001 for honey moon, second time in Nov 2004 for business, and now again for business, too.

I walked around the old town in the morning, and went out of town in the afternoon to see the windmills. The pitiful thing is, weather was not good, either cloudy or rainy. So the sky was a boring light gray in most of my pictures. :-(

Sofitel The Grand of Amsterdam. I also stayed here the last time I came to town.


Opened in 1992, the Grand is said to be one of the best hotels in Amsterdam (though I think it's only mediocre compared to other five star hotels around the globe). The site was originally set up in the 15th century as a convent. In the 16th century it became a royal hotel. The current architecture was built in 1661 as the Ministry of Navy before becoming the City Hall (according to DK tour book).

This is the front court.


Some views of the garden.








Stained glass in the hotel.


After finishing breakfast at Cafe Roux (in the hotel), I went to Dam Square to start my journey.

Around the Dam, first came to my eyes was the National monument (in honor of those sacrificed in WWII, designed by JJP Oud and set up in 1956).


The lion (there are two of them) represents Netherlands.


Then I saw the famous Madame Tussauds Scenerama (wax museum), inside the Peek & Cloppenburg department store.


The waxwork of Julia Roberts.


The department store.


Next is the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis).


It is a gigantic building made of graywacke (sandstone) in 1648, after the 80-year war between the Holland and the Spain.

A lamp in front of the palace.


Next to the palace is the new church (Nieuwe Kerk).


A small lane beside the church.


Part of the church is a cafe (so wierd). But there weren't many customers early in the morning.


I tried to get into the church but somehow the doors are all shut (on Sunday morning?!). So I walked toward south...

Through one of the major shopping street in Amsterdam, the Kalverstraat.


But of course it's also very quiet in the morning.

A tobacco shop.


A coffee shop which also sells ice cream. I was surprised that it opens that early because even McDonald's opens at 10.


At the corner of the streets. Suddenly it became very sunny...


Another street snap. Many houses in Amsterdam are a bit crooked like this.


Catch the rare blue sky...


Esprit Cafe on Spui street, a trendy coffee shop for the sour-legged shoppers/tourists.


A yellow bike outside the cafe.


English Church (Engelse Kerk), inside the quiet "Begijntjes" (meaning "the convent for ordinary people").


Entrance of the Begijntjes.


Statue of Madonna and the English Church.




A metal plate describing the history of the church.


The very rare wooden house (Number 34) next to the church.


It is actually the oldest house in Amsterdam. Rare as in wooden because after a serious of conflagrations, Amsterdam banned to build wooden houses in 1521. Most houses in the Begijntjes was built after the 16th century.

Sky line


Decorations on the wall, most religion-related because of the convent and the church.


Quiet and secluded...




May peace prevail on earth. (I especially wish so; a few days later while I was in the UK three car-bombs were found!!)


Then I walked toward south west.

Bikes


Tram 5


Street view (a children's bookstore)


Statue in front of an interesting bookstore


"Het Franciscus Xaveriuskerk" (De Krijtberg). I didn't walk in, which may be a pity because according to the tour book the interior is magnificent.


A beer house. Again, too early, no client.


A lovely shop selling personalized ceramic works.


Canal and the boats


Brouwersgracht (Brewers' canal)


Sidewalk


(To be continued)