|
|
|
5 Romantic Travel Resolutions
A new year always means a chance for a new start. You and yours can begin this new year by making some travel resolutions together, regardless of your time and budget restraints. Put aside those old travel habits and make some new ones! Let this...
New Ideas For A Low-Cost Vacation On Water
If you really enjoy spending your vacation 'on water' or would
like to try something new and exciting for the first time, then
you can consider a houseboat vacation. There are so many fun
things to do and so many great landscapes to see on a...
Sail Into The Americas Cup 2007 In Valencia Spain
The America's Cup competition all started on August 22, 1851 when the British challenged the United States in a sailing event which the British thought they would easily win. The British have always been known for their naval supremacy and for...
The history of Thai currency – from ancient beads to modern baht
The history of Thailand currency traces the evolution of the medium of exchange used in Thailand prior to the 1st century. This dates from the days of barter trade, ancient beads and money in various shapes and sizes till the currency in modern ...
Titanic Anecdotes
Studio executives in High Concept Hollywood have very short attention spans. When pitching a film idea, many believe if you can't do it in one sentence it is an unmarketable product. For example Planet Of the Apes (1968) starring Charlton Heston...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amsterdam and diamonds
Amsterdam takes a special place in the world of Diamonds. Walking down the streets you will see a lot of Diamond and jewelry stores as well as a lot of places that are locked up with signs saying "guided diamond tours from 2 to 4 PM" .
Actually going on some of these tours you'll have a chance to see some fantastic diamonds and you'll have a chance as well to see how they are cut and polished. And if you want to, you can buy them for $4000 to $400,000 each.
Amsterdam has a long history relating to diamonds, and has been a major diamond centre since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in the later 16th century. Nowadays there are about a dozen diamond factories in the city, five of which offer guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted 9am to 5pm every day.
These are some of the companies offering guided tours:
Amsterdam diamonds
Amsterdam has a long heritage in the diamonds, and has been a major diamond centre since Sephardic Jews introduced the diamond cutting industry in the later 16th century. Nowadays there are about a dozen diamond factories in the city, five of which offer guided tours. The tours are free and are usually conducted 9am to 5pm every day. Diamonds aren't necessarily cheaper in Amsterdam but prices are fairly competitive. At least you will have seen how they are worked, and when you buy from a factory you get an extensive description of the purchase so you know exactly what you are buying.
Diamond tours
The following renowned diamond stores offer diamond-cutting and polishing tours, and sales of the finished diamonds:
Coster Diamonds
Gassan Diamonds
Stoeltie Diamonds
Van Moppes Diamonds the
Goodbyes From Listeners: Steve Miller
Twenty years ago, Steve Miller's girlfriend left him for another man. Now a writer living in Los Angeles, Miller tells the story of the cold night they parted ways.
Making The Perfect Exit
Madeleine Brand consults writers and thinkers to come up with the perfect ending for <em>Day to Day</em>.
Sock Puppets And Cupcakes
Mike Pesca was a reporter for <em>Day to Day</em> from the beginning. He covered sock puppets, cupcakes and the occasional piece of actual news. He's back with a quirky Pescian farewell to listeners and <em>Day to Day</em> staff.
first company to offer guided tours.
If you have a chance eat an "uitsmijter" as well.
Best time to visit is april or late september when the leaves on the trees are not blocking the view of the monumental facades. The winters are penetratingly cold and damp with lots of rain and sleet.
It actually feels colder than 30 below in Canada.
Bring a pair of good glasses: we tend to use very small lettertypes for the legends in museums.
Here are some of Amsterdam's major attractions:
Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)
National Museum (Rijksmuseum)
Van Gogh Museum
Red Light District
National Museum of Modern Art (Stedelijk Museum)
Amstelkring Museum (Our Lord in the Attic Chapel)
Museum Het Rembrandt Huis (Rembrandt House)
Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum)
Dam Square
Sauna Deco
Amsterdam sail:
Sail Amsterdam
If you love boats, KNSM Island is where you should go. Not just because of its shipping past. Every 5 years this harbor area of Amsterdam hosts the Sail event. Each new edition attracts more visitors (Sail 2000 welcomed 2.5 million people). Each edition also offers more Tall Ships and more cultural activities in the area.
The Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh who shot off his ear and then committed suicide. You will find more than 200 fantastic works from the Master's hand, as well as 500 drawings and 700 written documents. Together these provide a fantastic insight into his life and work.
Amasterdam is a fascinating place with lots of things to see and do.
Also, remember and try all its culinary delights.
About the Author
Accountant and traveler.
|
|
|
|
|
|