That afternoon, we took the water taxi on the canal to the Anne Frank house. I was rather disappointed. It’s been spoiled with over-modernising and overdoing the message; there are TV screens and video presentations everywhere. The foundation must have a lot of money and keeps improving and tinkering with the museum, instead of letting the tiny, bleak apartment speak for itself. The constant reminding of Jews’ persecution only served to highlight the irony that now they are the persecutors in Palestine. The water taxi wound its leisurely way down canals lined with quaint townhouses, and past tables where people ate and drank and chatted in the sun. The atmos
phere was so relaxed and convivial, it felt Mediterranean. Finally, the boat reached the end of the circuit, the train station. This was the dirty, busy part of Amsterdam, the only interesting thing being a massive, three-storey garage for bicycles. We hopped on a tram to get out of there as fast as we could. It was much more pleasant to walk along the canals, while the shadows lengthened in the late afternoon light. We had dinner in the Hotel’s outdoor cafe, which was an excellent place to spend a warm summer evening, as there was a plaza right in front, with trees and a beautiful fountain. The dancing water attracted a variety of people that kept us entertained over dinner and coffee, until dark.
Views along the canals.
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