Amsterdam Chaos

- June 06, 2025

I applaud the Dutch for their use of Bicycles. In Amsterdam it is a major way for people to move around. We had been warned about the cycling etiquette or lack there of. Bicycles have the right of way over cars as well as pedestrians. But until you have experienced this place, you have no idea. To call it 'chaotic' is an understatement. If there are any rules for bicycles and cars together, they sure are not followed. You take your life in your hands every time you step off a curb. You need eyes in the back of your head. No one signals. It is stupid. Add street cars, scooters, and small 'smart cars' into the mix and it becomes even more insane. While enjoying a 'refreshment' at an outdoor patio, we were entertained by all the near misses between bicycles and cars, bicycles and bicycles, and bicycles and pedestrians. It was kind of entertaining to just sit back and watch. It would be fascinating to know how many cyclists are hospitalized on a daily basis because of 'mishaps'.

This morning we went to the Anne Frank Museum. I suspect that most people have heard the story at some point. Anne was a 13 year old who along with her sister and parents, another couple and their son, and a dentist, went into hiding in the back end of her father's place of business. They were Jewish. To avoid being sent to 'work camps' (Concentration Camps/Death Camps), they lived in hiding for 2 years. The Nazi's found them, split them up, and sent them to different camps throughout Europe. Anne's Father, Otto, was the only one to survive. While in hiding, Anne kept a diary. The Nazi's never found it. Her father published it in the early 1950's. It is still in distribution all over the world. We were able to tour 'the annex' as it was called. This is where the 8 of them secretly lived. It is a 'sobering' experience. It is hard to get through your head that they lived in secret here to avoid their fate only to have it happen anyway!

In the afternoon, we visited the Van Gogh Museum. Upfront I admit that I am not exactly an appreciator of art. It is surprising how much this guy painted in 10 short years though. He did not start his painting career until he was 27. When he was 37 he committed suicide by shooting himself. His most famous work of art, The sunflowers, was on display. I have a lack of understanding why this is considered a masterpiece. Even after having it explained to me, I still did not get it. Clearly the subtleties of art are beyond me. However, I would still recommend to anyone who is in Amsterdam to visit the museum.

Unfortunately, time is running out on this adventure. We fly home tomorrow morning. We are going to have dinner tonight with our new friends form Michigan and Chicago. I am sure it will be fun!