It’s Amstelredam; at least it used to be. Amstel is the correct name for the river that flows through the city, the “dam” part of the name refers to a dam (or dike) which Hollanders built in order to reside in this low lying seacoast area. Populated since ancient times, before the eleventh century Amsterdam was a fishing village. Due to its proximity in the far north, Spain and Portugal’s Inquisitions drove immigrants to seek asylum there, helping to create a rich cultural diversity. A fabulous place to vacation, Amsterdam is teeming with beautiful people riding bicycles and visually is a city beyond compare. Take time to visit Amsterdam’s myriad of museums and historical sights and gaze with fascination at the mansions adorning the canals built during the city’s Golden Era.

Suellen Ocean is the author of The Lies of the Lion available at Amazon.