Amsterdam

Amsterdam winter light of day

a river with buildings and boats in the background

Amsterdam at 52 degrees North latitude places the Dutch capital at a more northerly location than any state in the USA, except Alaska. Visiting in late December means fewer than 8 hours between sunrise around 8:45am and sunset around 4:30pm. Chances are the sky will be cloudy and gray, but when the sun shines the light of day against the red brick architecture and canal water can be heavenly colorful.

a building with red shutters and green windows
Rembrandt House (1606)
a group of people walking in a street between buildings
Zuiderkerk (1614) Amsterdam was first Protestant church built in city.

Zuiderkerk, close to Rembrandt’s house, played an important role in his life. Three of his children are buried in the church. His wife Saskia is buried in Oude Kerk where her gravestone can still be seen on the floor.

a stone surface with text engraved on it
Saskia Rembrandt grave stone in floor of Oude Kerk Amsterdam.
a row of buildings with trees and a person walking on a sidewalk
Amsterdam 1634 canal house on Oudezijds Achterburgwal
a car on a street
near Rokin, Amsterdam
a table with books on it
Spui outdoor book market Amsterdam
a river with boats in it
Amstel River, Amsterdam
a stone pillar with a lamp post and a ship
Hogesluisbrug 1883 bridge over Amstel River decoractive obelisk lamp support

InterContinental Amstel Hotel is the Grande Dame of hotel architecture in Amsterdam. Built by Dr. Samuel Sarphati, a prominent Dutch Jewish doctor who dedicated his effort to Amsterdam public health, city planning and assistance for Amsterdam’s poor Jews and children. Dr. Sarphati died at the age of 53 in June 1866 about 10 months before the hotel opened in April 1867.

a building with a bridge and a statue
InterContinental Amstel Hotel
a river with buildings and boats on it
Amstel River view
bicycles on a rail by a canal
Amsterdam bikes and skyline on Prinsengracht canal.

 

 

2 Comments

  • enjoy fine food January 12, 2020

    Never seen the sky like that. You lucky

  • Bruce Behnke January 13, 2020

    Terrific photographs with the beautiful light!

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