By Colette van Haaren
The Anne Frank House is an appropriate albeit sad place for some quiet
introspection when you are in EXile. The museum tells the story of young Anne Frank, who went into hiding with her family and four family friends during the World War II. In the Secret Annex, the hiding place above the
warehouse and offices of the company where Anne¹s father worked, Anne wrote her diary. Unfortunately, these eight people hiding were discovered after
25 months and deported to concentration camps. Seven of them perished. Only Otto Frank, Anne's father, survived. The 17th-century merchant house
is now a museum where you can visit the actual place of exile. Anne¹s diary
is on display. The Anne Frank House also tracks signs of racism in European society and works to increase tolerance and respect.Prinsengracht 267. Phone 020 556-7105 or visit www.annefrank.org online.
When in Holland, do as the Dutch. Get physical (EXpress!) and rent a bike-the epitome of Dutch transportation - to explore the city and surrounding
polders. At three times the speed of walking, you can discover a whole lot
more of Amsterdam than just on foot and there are bike paths just about
everywhere. Dutch women are known for transporting their kids (often one
seated in front, one in the back), stroller, and groceries all at once by bike. Child seats and other accessories can also be rented. The newest fad in child transportation by bike, by the way, is the cargo bike. Visit www.amsterdam.info/transport/bike-rentals
Another bike-related way of getting around in Amsterdam is in a bike taxi, a
modern rickshaw that seats two passengers. The driver will do the pedaling.
Visit www.amsterdam.info/transport/bike-taxi online.
Stepping into genever bar Wijnand Fockink is stepping back into time. This
17th-century brown café has no chairs and tables, and the hardwood floor is
sprinkled with sand. Originally, this was the annex to a distillery, and the place where customers could taste and buy the distillery¹s products. Beware, in this proeflokaal (tasting room) they serve the jenever completely topped up, so you have to bend over and slurp off the excess before you can lift the tulip-shaped glass. They have a choice of a great many Dutch liqueurs and genevers. A great place to Exorcise the spirit of your exŠ Cheers! Chin chin. Gin gin. Pijlsteeg 31. Phone 020-639-2695 or visit www.wijnand-fockink.nl.
