"The Netherlands" Netherlands by ant1606

My first visit to this country dates back to when I was six of age. At that time I was fascinated by a different world where I took the first pictures ever taken with my own camera. A very young photographer who should scan his old clicks to be shared.
A portion of this country lies below sea level and such land was claimed from the North Sea by means of dams holding off the waters. Sweetwater is otherwise abundant in the comprehensive delta formed by three rivers and the many man-made canals throughout the kingdom. Windmills might be a bit too much of a stereotype but still an awesome integration into the landscape and interesting pre-industrial technology marvels.
One of the most tolerant countries on our planet, the Netherlands shows its signs of openness through the windows of the "Red Lights" district in Amsterdam or the many "Coffee Shops" releasing notes of cannabis.

Amsterdam loves bikes!

Statistics mention that bicycles outnumber the 16 million inhabitants of this country. This is not hard to believe as everybody is in "fietsen" mood, from students to neck-and-tie executives, from the elderly to mothers carrying infants, children and dogs at once. Some parking lots are literally an ocean of bikes, many of which have seen better days. Considerate drivers and the ubiquitous urban cycling lanes and paths, combined with an extensive network of national long-distance numbered cycling routes, make the NL a renowned cycling paradise. Even where the road is paved with uneven bricks! It might be just another stereotype, but this country without bicycles would be inconceivable!
We really enjoyed our 2009 cycling tour that gave us a chance to enjoy large and small cities, the countryside and the windy North Sea coast.

-to be continued-