These pics show what some of the shopping areas of Amsterdam are like. This square was particularly empty because of the inclement weather. On another day we went back and there were people everywhere because the weather was gorgeous. Plus there had been an international Soccer match between Holland and Germany (Holland won) and there were partiers all over dressed in costumes made from orange, which is the color for Holland. Everywhere we looked there were people with orange hair, orange paint on their faces, just like at the games in the US. |
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Here we see what many of the shops are like. This particular section has a couple of smaller stores on the bottom floor, but mainly shows the varied type of facades used in the architecture. At one time, these buildings were individual homes, some being maybe 50 feet deep and four or five stories high all encasing one home. The people were only taxed by the frontage of their home, so naturally it made sense to build the home narrow and deep. I also think it's interesting how someone has modernized one of the facades with the large windows, showing such a contrast with the older type of fronts. |
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