Rijksmuseum & Anne Frank Huis

Fortunately the Rijksmuseum was a walking distance from the hostel and we mad a beeline for it after a heavy breakfast. Talking of which we were pleasantly surpised with the variety & quality of breakfast.

We were expecting a modest spread since this was a hostel. Instead it was lavish. There were cold cuts, 3 types of bread, waffles, jams & chocolate paste, fruits, cornflakes/museli, juice & tea/coffee. We stuffed ourselves well :)

The Rijksmuseum is under renovation and therefore only a aprt of it is open to the public. Amongst the many artefacts displayed, the main attraction is the "Nightwatch" painted by Rembrant. Its indeed spectacular. Some of the porcelain crockery kept is quite exquisite. The entire tour took us a few hours, after which we sat around in the park gobbling raisin muffins. The park which also includes the Van Ghogh museum was filled with picknikers having a gala time lazing in the grass absorbing all the sun.

Snehal was keen to visiting the Anne Frank House & hence we made our way there pasing through the tiny streets with a pit stop to purchase some tangerines & try out a glass of Guinnes. Didn't enjoy it too much. Guess its quite an acquired taste.

The Anne Frank House is quite a marvel even if you haven't read the Diary of Anne Frank. And for those who have its a tryst with the imagination you've read in the book. The entire house is so well maintained that it leaves you intrigued as to how life would have been when the Jews were hiding from the Nazis. The secret home inside the home is as it was in Anne Frank's time.

After grabbing a coffee, we headed to check out the famous "red light" district. Its quite a area in its own sense. The women sit at the windows dressed very provocatively. The windows are mostly bordered with neon lights to attract your attention. Along with these multiple windows, there are a couple of joints which have shows & other attractions, but the business at both places seemed very bleak since there were hardly any people around.

The entire district has a certain air of professionalism to it, unlike it is here in India, and since its is legal it is run pretty much like any other business. Walking around was quite an experience.