DESTINATION 2: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

First hint of being NOT in Germany.

Dranken and Welkom. Unfamiliar words.

Oh yah, we had a cup of coffee. The expresso was not too bad! :)

After that, we cruised along the famous canals of Netherlands. This country has 165 canals, 1281 bridges and 2500 houseboats! Amsterdam is called Venice of the north because of its many canals. The canals are of great historical importance and will be beautifully illuminated at night. (Information from here.)

Information was provided during the cruise in three languages- English, Chinese and German. Interesting eh? Houses in Netherlands usually have hooks at the top of the roof. Any guesses?
This is because Netherlands used to have a big population, yet not enough land, thus houses are all built to be long and narrow.These are the so-called houseboats, where people actually live inside!

One of the many bridges around.

We then went on to view the making of wooden clogs.

My brother, mum and me at the entrance of the place. Netherlands has got really nice ambience (feels very peaceful) in the day time, as you will notice in the video I took later.Extra-big clogs. Nicely-carved wooden clogs.
Flowery clogs used to be worn by ladies in Netherlands. Some are worn for weddings.

If you want to wear clogs, you are to make sure that the clogs have at least a finger's allowance so as to avoid blistering.
Me and mum and a wide array of clogs.
My mum and brother. Mini clogs keychains.Windmill magnets.

We visited a cheese factory as well.

After that, we walked around and took some pictures. Light breeze blew against our faces occasionally. :)
A house of a local filled with windmills!

We tried out the traditional costumes of the ladies of Netherlands. Pretty not? Lazy milkmaid taking a break. It is not easy to wear the clogs, I tell you.

Tulips in odd numbers are believed to be able to bring good luck to receivers.

City tour at night.
The National Monument located at the Dam Square. I forgot if the tourguide actually mentioned the history behind this monument, but this is one of the significant landmarks in Amsterdam.The wordings behind the monument.
The Royal Palace, also known as Koninklijk Paleis (in Dutch).

I love chimes! :D

Before that, we actually had a walk in the Red Light District, something rather prominent in Netherlands. Prostitution dates back to the 13th century. It was legalized in the year 2002. The prostitutes I saw were mostly beautiful and sexy. A pity photos were not allowed. I heard of stories of getting into trouble for taking photos of the prostitutes! Anyway, it is a rather interesting aspect of Netherlands which should be experienced there and then (when you're there, I mean).

This marks the end of the short stay in Netherlands.