Wrong, wrong, wrong,.......big mistake not to have booked online.....we arrived at 10 o'clock, with the realization that we would be waiting at least an hour and a half. It was freezing, by the time our turn had come to be admitted, our poor toes were almost frozen off.
Once we had shown our museum cards, and paid a small amount for Aysha, we did the obligatory five minute strip off, (outer clothes only) to make use of the cloakroom, and set off to see the museum. It makes use of several films that are very helpful for providing information. The Frank Family went into hiding to escape the Nazi regime, but were betrayed about two years later, and taken to concentration camps in Germany, where all except Otto Frank perished. When he returned, he was given his daughters dairy, and had it published.
I think the Anne Frank house must be the most visited museum in Holland.
Lunch in the museum cafe, and then we set off towards the Royal palace via "bagel and beans" so Aysha could log onto their free wifi to skype her friend.
In the Golden Age this Palace was built as the city hall of Amsterdam, and transformed to a Palace in 1808 by King Louis Napoleon. It was used as the French royal palace for five years, and has now become the palace of the House of Orange for most of the past two centuries.
This is such a beautiful building, furnished in a most opulent manner. Obviously no expense was spared in the initial building and furnishing. There are carvings abounding, especially in this first huge space, which is the citizens hall. His Majesty the King receives visiting heads of state, hosts symposiums, award ceremonies, dinners and receptions here.
This carving depicts the biblical story of King Solomon settling the dispute between the two mothers, and is found in the tribunal room, where the death sentences were handed down.
Amsterdam was so very busy, there were thousands of people flocking there for the new year celebrations. We lost sight of Aysha in the crowd, but met up with her again at the rail station.
As for the evening, well never mind the ten minutes of fireworks over Melbourne! That is nothing compared with the Netherlands! We began lighting our fireworks at nine o'clock, and by then it was raining, so it was out with the umbrellas.
I will not win any prizes for my photography of fireworks, this is the best of a very bad bunch.
At midnight, the sky exploded, there is no other word for it, and continued for a hour and a half. We welcomed in 2014 by watching the show from the upstairs windows, and were quite mesmerized. There were displays lighting the sky in every direction, in every color that you can think of, and every shape of explosion as well. Eventually, we all fell asleep to the sound of the fireworks still going. Fireworks will never be the same again!
A happy and blessed 2014 to all.
Location: Leiderdorp,The Netherlands
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