< previous
next >
Day 5: June 21, 2024
We had a later start today and made our way to and took tram #5 straight to the oldest, still operating, diamond polishing factory in the world 💎
We then jumped on a boat where we cruised along the canal for 1.5 hours listening to an audio guide. We learned about how tax evasion influenced the style of these famous “tiny” homes lining the canal (although looks can be deceiving!)
Anotehr short tram ride took us to the Foodhallen for lunch. Some of us tried Bitterballen, Dutch meatballs that are breaded and fried with varying flavours.
In the afternoon, we headed over to the Dam square for free time, just in time for the rain! This was followed up with a visit to the Anne Frank museum. Anne Frank, her family, a second family and a dentist hid here for two years during the invasion of the Nazis in the Netherlands. They had to be very quiet as there was people working in the offices underneath. Two years later, in 1944, they were anonymously betrayed and discovered. She died at 17 and her father was the only one in the family to survive. Her dad found Anne’s diary and is now been published in more than 60 languages. It was a very moving experience and we’re so grateful to have had the time to visit.
Pannenkoeken, dutch pancakes with cheese and ham, were served for dinner. For dessert we had mini pancakes with ice cream. We then took tram #5 back to the hotel, making sure to avoid the bikers as we crossed the streets! There are 500,000 bikes in Amsterdam alone, considering that the population is 800,000 you can imagine the amount of bikes that you can see around the city! 🚲
Canal you believe we leave the Netherlands tomorrow?