Amsterdam before Easter

A short city break before the Easter rush started properly seemed like a good idea, and it was in every way - lots to see and do and then come back home to recover.

We flew with Jet2 (again!) from Leeds-Bradford, after a hailstorm which brought out the de-icer to free up a RyanAir plane leaving just before us. Bet they charged the passengers for the extra service. Our aircraft had no such problem and touched down on schedule in the late evening. We stayed at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amsterdam Centre, a modern structure with some timber-framed traditional buildings behind - right behind! Top left was the view from our window. The tall city houses usually have steep steps and narrow doors so furniture was hoisted up to window height using the projecting beam to suspend a block-and-tackle. Even quite modern houses have them.

It was one of the friendliest hotels we have stayed in. In fact we found virtually every Dutch person we met was friendly and helpful.

The Royal Palace on Dam Square, with a 'human statue' and a tourist carriage.

First day - Sunday. Explored the city centre. Later in the visit a tour in a canal boat gave a different viewpoint.

The flower market, alongside one of the canals, sells gloriously good blooms and bulbs, and one or two unusual items.

Above and below: NEMO, the children's science and technology centre, in a futuristic building shaped like a ship. It was designed by Rienzo Piano.

Above and below: the replica of the Dutch East Indies ship 'Amsterdam', moored out side the National Maritime Museum. The cannon is from another ship and inside the building's courtyard.

Don't forget to visit Keukenhof flower gardens and some Netherlands history on the next two pages.