Amsterdam- A city of contrasts

What is a trip to Holland, without a visit to the dutch capital. From food and fashion to art and architecture, this vibrant city has it all. Amsterdam has an eclectic atmosphere that's infectious. One of Europe's most radical cities in the 1970's. Amsterdam's illicit image has diminished quite a bit over the years-prostitution was legalised in 2000, and while cannabis is still sold in coffee shops around the city, few locals indulge in public. Despite it's reputation, though, there's more to the dutch capital than a liberal lifestyle-it's an eye opener for art aficionados and architecture buffs, and the picturesque canal-side cafes, intimate nightclubs and bustling squares offer plenty of opportunity to soak up the city's cool vibe. Gary and I go our separate ways in the City as Gary would like to look around the red light district and I really want to visit the Anne Frank House. This is not my first visit to Amsterdam. I have spend a day here with the De Groot family, in the 80's and walked around the red light district back than. When I was a young girl, I read Anne's diary and her story touched me deeply. Not only because of her but all those others who lost their lives during the war. I am on my way as soon as possible, camera in hand. I arrive at the Prinsengracht 267. This is the house where Anne and her family hid to escape deportation by the Nazis during the war. After paying the admission fee, I follow the others inside. No one is taking any photos and the visit is very thought provoking. The house has been left as it was on Otto Frank's return and it is amazing to think that 8 people shared this tiny place for such a long time. The thought of me having to share with 8 people, having to be mouse-still and so full of life is unimaginable. Anyway I want to see the chestnut tree, Anne writes about in her diary but that area has been closed of due to renovations as that section had some safety concerns at the time. After a long visit, I leave without having taken any photos. It felt terribly wrong to take pictures of a family's suffering. I catch up with Gary and we have a meal before returning home again.