Amsterdam from the air

Google Earth, which comes in both a free and a paid version, has recently updated its satellite images of the Netherlands.

Previously only portions of Amsterdam were visible in detail. Now all of Amsterdam and surroundings can be viewed in such detail that you see the people on Dam square or sheep in the fields just north of the city.

Meanwhile, photographs of Amsterdam can be viewed here.

Rembrandt's 3D Nightwatch Statues Temporarily Removed

The city of Amsterdam has temporarily moved the 3D Statues of Rembrandt's Nightwatch into storage for safe-keeping during the upcoming Queen's Day Celebration.

The popular statues will be returned on Sunday, April 30.

The 3D figures were commissioned in honor of Rembrandt's 400th birthday, which is celebrated all year throughout the Netherlands. Originally the plan was to display them for one year at Rembrandtplein in front of the painter's statue. However, since the 3D Nightwatch has become a popular tourist destination local merchants have started a campaign to make the statutes a permanent fixture.

Queen's Day in Amsterdam: World's Biggest Street Party

Queen's Day, the world's largest street party, is about just around the corner. Matter of fact, this year it comes one day earlier than usual. As the official date of this Dutch national holiday, April 30th, falls on a Sunday, the pious Dutch (huh?) have decided to hold the party a day earlier.

You owe it to yourself to experience Queen's Day in Amsterdam

I posted this photo to Flickr with the note, "We'll buy the first person who knows where in Amsterdam this picture was taken a pint of Guinness at our favorite hangout, nearby(!) Irish Bar The Tara."

As of right now, there have been no takers yet...

Coffee Company

An announcement to lovers of good coffee. You know who you are. The Coffee Company, Amsterdam's homegrown answer to America's Starbucks and England's Costa, has opened a new franchise - right on Dam square.

You'll find the standing-room only place on the corner across from the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).

Coffee connoisseur are rejoicing.

Now you see it...

And sometimes you don't.

We've had some odd problems with out Blogger blog.

Our pictures of Amsterdam are now over here.