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Benelux
Benelux is a economical and political union between three
neighbouring monarchies, Belgium, the Netherlands and
Luxembourg. The union was formed to rebuild the economy after
the devastation of World War II, among what was known as the Low Countries. Belgium straddles
the cultural boundary between German and Latin Europe.
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Amsterdam attracts millions
of visitors each year for its rich history, vibrant cultural
scene, outstanding museums and quirky streets and shops.
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Amsterdam is known for its
artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and steep gabled
buildings. We were able to appreciate its charms on a later
visit. See
Baltic Cruise: Amsterdam . |
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Amsterdam has more than 100
kilometers of canal, 90 islands and 1500 bridges. |
Canal boats do indeed still ply the canals and
people do still live in canal boats in the middle of the city.
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The Anne Frank House is a
biographical museum preserving the wartime hiding place of the
Jewish diarist.
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The National Monument on Dam
Square was erected in 1956 to commemorate the war dead. |
Transportation is a challenge. Most people get around
by bike. |
Those who have cars are very creative with their parking. |
A preferred means of transport is the canal boat.
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The
Rijksmuseum is phenomenal. It featured mainly Dutch masters such as Rembrandt,
Bosch and Provoost.
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Rembrandt's
Night Watch was the most impressive piece due
to its artistic merit and immense size. |
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A pleasant bike ride from Amsterdam takes you to the rural areas
with their characteristic windmills and houseboats.
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The Netherlands has many picture-perfect towns and villages such
as Geithoorn, Zutphen, and Haarlem. |
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Densely populated Belgium was the first country to undergo an
industrial revolution on the continent of Europe in the early
1800s.
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The City Hall and16th Century
guild houses surround the Grote Markt in Antwerp, a city
known for its thousands of diamond traders, cutters, and
polishers.
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A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bruges is delightful with
its pretty canals, bridges, windmills and straats. |
The central marketplace of Bruges retains much of its original
character with its step-gabled guildhouses.
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Gravensteen Castle in historic Ghent was built in 1180 by Philip
of Alsace, modelled after castles he saw while
participating in the Second Crusades.
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Belgium, has a long history of great artists, including Rubens,
Van Dyck, Jordaens and Brueghel.
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Luxemburg
is a Grand Duchy governed by a Duke and advised by a parliament.
It is mixture of very rich city dwellers and rural village
people.
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Built in 1572, the Grand
Ducal Palace is the official residence of the Duke and Duchess
of Luxembourg. |
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