Very narrow buildings and stairs prevent transport of furniture to upper floors via the usual means. Houses have a pulley on the top eave and ropes are tied to large or heavy objects to hoist them up/down from the outside and through the large windows.

There are 2 tram lines operating, one private and one gov't owned. On Saturday, the gov't owned tram line went on strike (blamed on the newly elected conservative gov't.) Fortunately, the private line still operated.

Smart shops sell legal 'soft' drugs. The Dutch gov't distinguishes between hard drugs (ie. heroin, cocaine) and soft drugs (marijuana, mushrooms).

Rembrant's original Nightwatch was cut on 3 sides to fit into the museum.

There's some doubt as to whether Rembrandt painted his hands. It was common practice at the time to have an apprentice paint the less important areas.

- sure you do.....

The bustle of the marketplace was little compared to the chaos that ensued when it was time for the vendors to close up for the evening. Cars and trucks had to make their way down the narrow street to pick up the wares and it was inevitable that someone's canopy was knocked over, goods were crushed... The dutch seem to be very mild mannered in most situations, but I saw 2 fights break out within a 10 minute timeframe here at the close of business

John made friends with Harry, the owner of this coffee shop. Harry is an accomplished musician who finally recorded his music at the bequest of his dying lover. John bought his cd.

Statue found peeking out of half-opened garage door