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All year, I planned to take my vacation in Amsterdam/Belgium and now that time has arrived. To get me started for this elaborate vacation, I was invited to the Menchaca's double birthday party in Stockton. They had make-your-own burrito buffet set out, they had a live mariachi band and they had an Elvis Presley impersonator. When the Elvis impersonator left the building, then they started playing good dancing music and one of the songs was "Let's Get it Started" by the Black Eyed Peas. When this song played, I knew I was ready for Amsterdam! Everyone at the party did a 'soul train' and I had visions of Amsterdam in my mind!

My Adventures in Amsterdam and Belgium

PaulDaleRoberts
2007-01-29 11:34:14

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have to report their income taxes to the government and sometimes this is hard to do, since they receive cash.

I learned that Amsterdam has the longest number of bridges in the world. You will see the gorgeous 17th century architect on the buildings of Amsterdam. You will see the many house boats that have a lot of character and to keep those boats in the canal, the residents of the boats must pay a water tax. In the canals, there are a variety of fish, including herring. The canals can lead you to the south part of France, that is how extensive they are. The canals also go out as far as the North Sea. A lot of this information, I gained from my tour guide Ger Frank, who took me on the Amsterdam City Tour in his shuttle. Ger Frank works as an operator for Holland Specialty Tours. During my tour I met Dr. Hideki Kobayashi and his wife. They are from Japan and on their honeymoon. What a honeymoon this is for them, to see the beauty of Amsterdam. More on the city tour, you will see hoisting hooks hooked on some of the homes near the canal, the River Amstel (in which the name Amsterdam derives from), Dutch Royal Palace, WWII Memorial (for Dutch soldiers that lost their lives during this war), Dam Square, Anne Frank home and museum, gorgeous gables on Amsterdam homes, city gate, Jewish district. Ger Frank gave his passengers a history lesson on how Dutch ships brought African slaves to America. On how North and South Holland are provinces within the country of Amsterdam. He told us how the Netherlands once had 30,000 windmills and now only has 1100 left. How 2/3rds of Amsterdam is under sea level, including Schiphol International Airport. There was a discussion of the legend of the Flying Dutchman. On the final stop of this incredible tour, we stopped at the Ratterman, a place where they make wooden shoes. I bought some souvenirs at this quaint building of historical significance. I was so impressed with Ger Frank, I had to give him a 10 Euro tip for his wealth ...