We awoke convinced Emily would have to spend the day at the hotel. A decent night's rest resulted in a slight fever rather than a decline in coughing. At breakfast, she begged to come. We all anticipated the amazing pancake lunch and could not imagine missing it. Gotta have priorities. Once again, at the seven year-old's urging, we drugged her, bundled her up, and packed tissues.
Last year, we easily found a "Park and Ride," bought our train tickets, and enjoyed a 5 minute ride to the city center. Unbeknown to us, the concierge directed us to a lot farther away. The "P and R" changed its ticket process, and the tram ride required thirty minutes. All resulting in arriving to Amsterdam late for a two hour children's private walking tour I had organized through my favorite company, Context Europe.
We planned to meet our guide at the West India House - an "easy" to find location. Unless you are as directionally challenged as myself. I led our crew up and down back streets stopping periodically to inquire this mysterious place's location. My stress increased by the block since we had our neighbors in tow. Dave and I are now used to the uncertainty and chaos of foreign travel, but it's awkward leading others through it. (Except you Allison.) 40 minutes late for the tour, I cheered internally when we spotted the guide.
Claire, a British ex-pat living in Amsterdam, brought pads, pens, and binoculars for the kids. She told them to draw pictures of the buildings they see. She began the tour explaining the deep connections between Amsterdam and Manhattan, originally called "New Amsterdam." The West India House, home to the Dutch West India Company in the 1600s, is the actual location where a group of Dutch entrepreneurs decided to colonize our favorite city. Claire explained it was in the room through this window where all the plans were laid.
Pieter Stuyvesant, a man with little tolerance for religious freedom, was the director-general for the company, and a pioneer in New Amsterdam.
She taught us about the interesting architecture and city structure. The three main canals Herengracht or ‘’Patricians' Canal’’; Keizersgracht or ‘’Emperor's Canal’’; and Prinsengracht or ‘’Prince's Canal’’ are the result of successful city planning during the 17th century - the Dutch Golden Age.
The ornate buildings are governed by strict rules including brick color and porch structure. We studied and identified the different gables - the tops of the buildings.
After the tour, we returned to the Pancake Bakery for our favorite Dutch food. In the evening, we visited the windy North Sea in the town of Noordwijk.
The kids remembered a "hot dog" stand - the highlight of last year's cold, flowerless trip. "We have to get a hot dog," began when we entered the park. Determined, we searched the for this one stand. A taste of home.
