We arrived on-board in late afternoon. After unpacking and getting settled, we joined our fellow passengers for a short port talk followed by a gourmet 5-course meal in the restaurant. The Viking Pride was built in 2001, is 375 feet long and 37.4 feet wide.

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Fellow passengers Ann and Abe joined us after dinner as we set out to walk off our dinner. We were told that there are some 1281 bridges that cross the various canals here in Amsterdam.

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The streets were alive with people out enjoying the mild weather and many little ethnic restaurants, pubs and coffee shops in this area.

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The red light district is alive and well in Amsterdam. The girls advertise in the windows along this street and then close the curtain when they are busy. We were told that they charge about $50 for 15-minutes.

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This industry is very well regulated by the government which requires that brothel owners have newcomers fill out a form which tells not only their identity, age and nationality but also why they want to become a prostitute. The Netherlands is a very tolerant country.

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This morning found us boarding glass-topped boats for a tour of the city via the canals. The total length of the canals in Amsterdam is about 62 miles. They are everywhere!

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Our boat took us through many wonderful, historic areas of the city. This is a view of typical homes on the canal. Notice the old facades which are protected by the government. Restoration takes place behind the facades leaving the outside of the structure as it was in the 17th or 18th century when it was built. Houseboats of many sizes and shapes line the canals and are home to many residents.

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Skinny Bridge is a famous pedestrian (and bike) only bridge that crosses the canal. It gets its name from the fact that it is too narrow for a car. Like all bridges on the canals, it is a draw bridge.

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As we crossed this canal crossroads, we could see seven different bridges at once!

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...the canals are unique and romantic...

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After our tour which included a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, we took off to do some independent exploration of the city. The apple and pear trees are in blossom and beautiful. . .

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... you can stay on a riverboat such as ours or perhaps this B and B in a houseboat on the canal...

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...join the fun on this moving bar propelled by foot power...

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...or visit the floating flower market and buy cut flowers, bulbs, seeds and even cannabis starter kits!

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This is a country of bikes. It is very obvious where the train stations are as there are huge bike parking lots nearby. There are about 600,000 bikes in Amsterdam which travel in designated red traffic lanes. Many cyclists ignore red traffic lights so it is definitely pedestrian beware. We were told that one does not buy a good bike as it will be quickly stolen!

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Just before dinner, we went up to the observation deck to watch...

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... the Viking Pride as she pulled away from our first port.

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