Nieuwendammerdijk

Our exchange family had recommended that we visit the north side of Amsterdam so we headed off into the city to catch a ferry from Central Station across the harbour to the north side.

The tram took us to Dam Square where this gentleman was making quite a din with Amazing Grace. He was not making any money while we were there.

After strolling down the Damrak through all the noise of some construction and a street cleaning machine, we arrived at the Central Station which is a grand looking building.

This shows the wind direction and appears to be quite sensitive.

There must be a special place in hell for architects who attempt to modernize old buildings and fail dismally in the attempt.

The ferries to the north shore are free and appear to be well patronized.

This is the EYE Film Institute and was opened in 2012. While many of the modern buildings in Amsterdam are as boring as in the rest of the world, there are quite a few that are interesting. The ING building on the way to the airport is particularly eye catching.

I had presumed that this was a river but in fact the IJ is classified as a lake. It therefore is the oddest shape lake I have ever seen.

A couple of the huge tourist boats.

A cruise ship tied up. It seemed to be leaning to one side a bit.

The terminus of the ferry at Veer IJplein.

A ramshackle fence next to a relatively modern building. I think it was done for artistic effect.

What could have been a very boring building became more interesting with the extra two levels at the front.

We came upon a part called Vliegenbos which apparently is famous for its elm trees. Elm trees have become increasingly rare in Europe because of Dutch Elm Disease. 

These Parisien Arches are a gift from a famous Dutch painter called Peter Diem. He is famous for his flying cows paintings.

Another arch.

Mushrooms (fungus).

After walking across the park we came to a built up area.

This was Nieuwendammerdijk.

The street was lined with old houses and buildings.

Not many people colour coordinate their bike security chain with their window vases.

Church door.

Mysterious lanes between the old houses.

A curiously modern building in the midst of all the old houses.

A cafe overlooking the water by the street. Most of the water was taken up by boats of all shapes and sizes. There didn't seem to be much activity and I suspect a lot of the boats here get only one outing a year if they are lucky.

Another canal, another lock.

We wondered how much this large mansion would have cost. The houses we had past as we walked along the street had been quite small by comparison.

A ceramic couch.

Eventually we decided we had walked enough. Somehow we managed to find a #37 bus that took us back to Flevopark and a well deserved beer.