Our Itinerary:
Basel, Switzerland Breach, Germany Colmar, France Khel / Strasbourg, France Mannheim / Heidelberg / Rudesheim, Germany Middle River Koblenz, Germany Cologne, Germany Gorinchem / Kinderdijk, Netherlands Amsterdam, Netherlands
Interesting tidbits:
Amsterdam’ s application of local laws was very interesting. They have a specific term for things that are illegal but tolerated. A Coffee Shop in Amsterdam might sell coffee but they are better known for selling soft drugs( all forms of cannibus, magic truffles, salvia and peyote cactus). They have a green and white license sticker in their window. Here’ s the fun part: It is legal to sell marijuana and soft drugs but illegal to supply them … yet some how the marijuana and drugs get there. We just avoided them and looked for a café.
Bicycles had the right of way everywhere in Amsterdam. There are no rules pertaining to which side of the road they were to ride, they didn’ t have to stop for anyone or anything. Pedestrians and cars alike had to be careful not to run into them. And they are everywhere.
There are 62 miles of canals in Amsterdam with 90 islands and 1500 bridges. Three of the four main canals were dug in the 17th Century. Old Amsterdam is called the“ Venice of the North.”
Above: Cathédral de Notre Dame soars over Strasbourg’ s Old Town. At an impressive 426 feet, it is the highest medieval building in Europe.
Right: The golden tomb is said to contain the remains of the wise men.
Photos, Page 94:
Upper Left: One of the crooked houses in Amsterdam
Middle Left: Cheese artisan in Strausberg
Bottom Far Left: Wine shop in Strausberg
Bottom Right: On of the streets in Rudesheim
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 gmhtoday. com
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