Daylife

Amsterdam | PLACE

 

Amsterdam (help·info), capital of the Netherlands, lies on the banks of two bodies of water, the IJ bay and the Amstel river. Founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel, it is now the largest city in the country and is a financial and cultural centre. As of August 1, 2006, the population of the city proper is 741,329; the population of the official Greater Amsterdam area is approximately 1.5 million, but the real agglomeration is estimated at 2 to 2.5 million. Amsterdam is also one of the core urban centres of the greater metropolitan area called "Randstad" (Ring City) which encompasses other Dutch cities such as Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden, The Hague and Rotterdam and has a population of over 7.5 million.

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, right, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, right, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, second left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima, left, visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, second left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima, left, visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

AP 

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

AP 

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

AP 

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 7-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 7-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

AP 

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 7-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 7-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

AP 

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 7-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 7-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

AP 

Ajax's Urby Emanuelson (nr. 8) scores  for his team during the Premier League soccer match against PSV in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on March 14, 2010.

Ajax's Urby Emanuelson (nr. 8) scores for his team during the Premier League soccer match against PSV in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on March 14, 2010.

AFP 

Dutch stage performer and musician Herman van Veen (R) receives the prestigious Dutch music Edison Award during a special show celebrating his 65th birthday on March 14, 2010 at the Royal Theatre Carre in Amsterdam.

Dutch stage performer and musician Herman van Veen (R) receives the prestigious Dutch music Edison Award during a special show celebrating his 65th birthday on March 14, 2010 at the Royal Theatre Carre in Amsterdam.

AFP 

Dutch singer and artist Herman van Veen flanked by friends and relatives performs on the stage during a special show for his 65th birthday, which was being celebrated in the Royal Theatre Carre in Amsterdam, on March 14, 2010. After his performance, Van Veen received the Edison Oeuvre Award Cabaret.

Dutch singer and artist Herman van Veen flanked by friends and relatives performs on the stage during a special show for his 65th birthday, which was being celebrated in the Royal Theatre Carre in Amsterdam, on March 14, 2010. After his performance, Van Veen received the Edison Oeuvre Award Cabaret.

AFP 

Dutch singer and artist Herman van Veen performs on the stage during a special show for his 65th birthday, which was being celebrated in the Royal Theatre Carre in Amsterdam, on March 14, 2010. After his performance, Van Veen received the Edison Oeuvre Award Cabaret.

Dutch singer and artist Herman van Veen performs on the stage during a special show for his 65th birthday, which was being celebrated in the Royal Theatre Carre in Amsterdam, on March 14, 2010. After his performance, Van Veen received the Edison Oeuvre Award Cabaret.

AFP 

Amsterdam's mayor, Job Cohen, speaks at a press conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday March 12, 2010. Wouter Bos, leader of the Labor Party, resigned from politics Friday, two months before national elections. Bos's shock resignation has cleared the way for Cohen to lead the Netherlands' largest left-leaning party as its candidate for prime minister in the June 9 voting. Photo/Evert Elzinga).

Amsterdam's mayor, Job Cohen, speaks at a press conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday March 12, 2010. Wouter Bos, leader of the Labor Party, resigned from politics Friday, two months before national elections. Bos's shock resignation has cleared the way for Cohen to lead the Netherlands' largest left-leaning party as its candidate for prime minister in the June 9 voting. Photo/Evert Elzinga).

AP 

Amsterdam's mayor, Job Cohen, speaks at a press conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday March 12, 2010. Wouter Bos, leader of the Labor Party, resigned from politics Friday, two months before national elections. Bos's shock resignation has cleared the way for Cohen to lead the Netherlands' largest left-leaning party as its candidate for prime minister in the June 9 voting. Photo/Evert Elzinga).

Amsterdam's mayor, Job Cohen, speaks at a press conference in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday March 12, 2010. Wouter Bos, leader of the Labor Party, resigned from politics Friday, two months before national elections. Bos's shock resignation has cleared the way for Cohen to lead the Netherlands' largest left-leaning party as its candidate for prime minister in the June 9 voting. Photo/Evert Elzinga).

AP 

Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen gives a press conference in Amsterdam to follow up Wouter Bos as leaders of the Social Democrats party PvdA, on March 12, 2010. Dutch labour party chief and former finance minister Wouter Bos said Friday he will not contest the June 9 snap election after the collapse of the government over military policy in Afghanistan.

Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen gives a press conference in Amsterdam to follow up Wouter Bos as leaders of the Social Democrats party PvdA, on March 12, 2010. Dutch labour party chief and former finance minister Wouter Bos said Friday he will not contest the June 9 snap election after the collapse of the government over military policy in Afghanistan.

AFP 

Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen gives a press conference in Amsterdam, on March 12, 2010. Cohen resigned in Amsterdam to follow up Wouter Bos as leaders of the Social Democrats party PvdA.

Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen gives a press conference in Amsterdam, on March 12, 2010. Cohen resigned in Amsterdam to follow up Wouter Bos as leaders of the Social Democrats party PvdA.

AFP 

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

Berthe Meijer is seen during an interview with the Associated Press at her home in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday, March 12, 2010. Meijer, now 71, a former 6-year-old inmate of Bergen Belsen offers a rare glimpse of Anne in the final weeks of her life in the German camp, struggling to keep up her own spirits even as she tried to lift the morale of the smaller children. Meijer's memoir, being published in Dutch later this month, is the first to mention Anne's talent for spinning tales even in the despair of the camp. The memoir deals with Meijer's acquaintance with Anne Frank in only a few pages, but she said she titled it "Life After Anne Frank" because it continues the tale of Holocaust victims where the famous diary leaves off.

AP 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, right, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, right, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition  in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, second left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima, left, visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife Svetlana, second left, and Netherlands' Princess Maxima, left, visit a flower exhibition in the flower park De Keukenhof near Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

RIA Novosti Kremlin 

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