Amsterdam

We were strangers to the Dutch way of life but we developed a sixth sense for avoiding the tram and the bicycles quickly enough. We had to because there were thousands of cyclists in the city. We hid from the hustling and bustling at the van Gogh museum where security was tight, but the paintings are beautiful. The depressed artist, whose work was not appreciated in his own lifetime, had painted some daring and bold paintings for us to look at. In his lifetime he had painted about 2000 artworks and at the museum there were more than 200 of his paintings on display.

Amsterdam bikes, The Netherlands by redjar

The other part of the day was spent wandering along the canal through cafes, the sex museum and picturesque shops. Everywhere we went there was an exotic smell of hash or weed. In the afternoon we went to the Anne Frank house where she wrote her famous diary while she and her family were hiding from the Nazi’s. Behind a bookcase there was a secret door, where the family hid from the Germans. In the two floors and the attic she and seven others lived for two years before they were betrayed. We went back to the swift caravan to get some rest for the second day and second destination. We took the train to Utrecht which is only a half an hour journey.

Utrecht

Utrecht felt like the living, beating heart of Holland. The city was built around the old Dom tower. We climbed up the tower to have a view over the city. We saw lots of cellars, terraces and cafes along the canal. There are also a lot of modern houses and a large and modern shopping centre where we spend the whole morning shopping.

Utrecht Dom Cathedral Tower, The Netherlands by Pepijntje

Gouda

From Utrecht we took the train to another tourist hotspot: Gouda. This small city with its gorgeous old city square is world famous for their production of cheese. They sell many varieties at the Gouda market place, which is dominated by a beautiful 15^th century Gothic town hall. With a belly full of cheese and dutch frieten, and with some lovely experiences of the country, unfortunately we had to go back to catch our boat again. Although we’ll definitely visit the Netherlands again!

Gouda Cheese Market in a city of Gouda, The Netherlands by Johi

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The city was founded in the early 13th century, when the bishopric was moved from Old Sarum, an ancient Iron Age fort, which now stands on the northern outskirts of town, about 3 km from the city centre. This place was inhabited already 5000 years ago. The double ditches of this fort are still visible, however there was nothing left from the city inside the walls. Old Sarum was settled by the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and the bishops of Sherborne. But over time, they seemed uncomfortable, as this place was plagued by drought and strong winds, therefore, they requested the pope to move to Salisbury. This city is still called New Sarum. In the 19th century Old Sarum had been completely abandoned.

Domination of the city is its Cathedral, which is situated in the beautiful and peaceful district of The Close. There are also located schools, hospitals, theological colleges and hostels clerics. Salisbury cathedral, also known as Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built between 1220 – 1258. Today it is a beautiful example of early English Gothic architecture, characterized by high lancet windows. The uniqueness of the cathedral is primarily in its perfectly uniform architectural concept. The only exception is a majestic tower that was built in the years 1280 – 1310. With its 123 meters it is the tallest spire in the United kingdom. It is quite surprising that the tower still stands, its foundations are only about 2 meters deep and the measurement found that the tower leans up to 77 cm.

But it is not everything that Salisbury Cathedral can offer. You can also see here the oldest working clock in the world from the year 1386, which are exposed on the left side of the cathedral. However the most important monument is the English charter Magna Carta from 1215, which is stored in the Chapter House. It is the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta.

Salisbury Cathedral is famous also for its organ choir. The List of all Organists sorted chronologically in a row from the very beginning can not be overlooked in the cathedral. I must say that the cathedral has much to be proud of. I was lucky enough to hear the choir which was an amazing experience. I definitely recommend you to listen to (they do practice about 1 hour before Mass).

More info you can find at Salisbury Cathedral official website.

View Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom in a larger map

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