D07: Amsterdam

... Today, watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a diamond centre in Amsterdam. Then, sightseeing with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights and a canal cruise to see this unique city from water level. (B)

First up this morning we did a cruise on the canals where we saw so many things on the Amsterdam tourist trail. But how typical that our first stop was directly opposite the old Heineken Brewery which now houses the Heineken Experience... It's a sign I tell you... We saw quite a bit on the cruise and it was great getting a brief taste of this beautiful city from the water.

Afterwards it was a city highlights tour as well as the trip to the Diamond Centre, which really was a waste of time, but maybe I'm only saying that because no-one bought me a diamond... 

In the afternoon Mum & I did the optional tour that went out to Volendam which is a small fishing village known which is also known for its traditional clothing and is a busy tourist attraction as it isn't that far from Amsterdam. 

Lunch - Frites with mayo

After exploring Volendam for a few hours we headed to Zaanse Schans which is an open-air conservation area and museum located north of Amsterdam.  This is certainly the place to come if you want to see those things which are quintessentially dutch - windmills, clog-making demonstrations, original buildings, including a cheese farm where you could sample the products (yum).

After returning from our afternoon tour we had a little bit of time to explore the city centre.

Not your typical Museum, but we are in Amsterdam after all...

Fast Food - Dutch Style

Mum and I both did the "Amsterdam at Night" tour which included a stroll through the red-light district with a local guide who went to great lengths to explain what is "tolerated".  We stopped for an inlcluded drink at a typical Dutch "Brown cafe" to experience real Amsterdam atmosphere.  And yes, ii did feel slightly weird touring the red light district with my mum.

(For the rest of my Day 7 photos - click here.)