"Wooden Shoe like to visit Holland some... " a Amsterdam Travel Page by PamelaJ1956

What defines Holland? Its people and absolute charm of all the cyclists, the cobblestone streets, the wooden shoes, and the fishermen who still wear some authentic fishing costumes when out to sea.

Friendliness is second nature to the Dutch. I met so many different ethnicities in Holland, especially in Amsterdam. Multi-Racial harmony is astounding and just plain a joy to see. By the way, beef is so delicious and tender in Holland.

My friend, D, whom I met online, flew to Amsterdam from Oklahoma. We have mutual online friends in Amsterdam with whom we stayed.

On my last day and night in Holland, we stayed at the home of one of our friend's mom. She is a very talented muralist in Almelo. We are standing in front of just one of the many incredible murals that are on the walls, along the highway running through Almelo. The work that went into these murals is amazing to see. Ineke headed the mural project, which took several years to complete with the assistance of some of her wonderful students.

Ineke, our hostess while in Almelo, besides being a talented artist, is also a teacher and great cook with a great sense of humor and hospitality. She gave new meaning to "Dutch Treat".

The old world charm of Amsterdam, with its cobblestone streets, great museums, nightclubs, shopping, Trams, and diversity. Wear some very comfortable shoes. Not the best place for high heels.