Amsterdam: City of Architecture

Changing topics very slightly from the last few months, we also spent several days in Amsterdam on the way back from Africa. Amsterdam in early spring being about as opposite to African summer as we could find without having to change routes on the way home. It was a little cold and wet but still home to some breathtaking architecture and full of history. Getting around was quite enjoyable as well as there were canals everywhere which dictated the layout of the city and made it feel like you were always walking along the river.
You know Europe is spoiled for churches when even the guidebook says there aren't many impressive ones in Amsterdam. Coming from the Canadian prairies we still had to give credit to Newekirk cathedral for being more impressive than anything on our continent. We had a look around the interior and it was full of beautiful carvings, candle filled alcoves and a giant organ, just like most churches in Europe.
Even the train station was sweeping and grand as the panorama below shows (click to enlarge). We came in through here from the airport express and our hotel was right across the street. The old district of the city where we spent most of our time was only a few square miles and easy enough to navigate once we got used to it, and after weeks in vans and camps it was nice to stretch our legs a bit.