A Morning in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the constitutional capital and principal city of the Netherlands. It is divided by canals into about 90 islands joined by about 400 bridges. Almost the entire city rests on a foundation of piles driven through peat and sand to a firm substratum of clay. Amsterdam is Europe's second largest port and one of its most important commercial centre. Amsterdam has been an important centre of European cultural life since the 17th century. The royal palace, originally built in the 17th century as the town hall, stands on a large square in the centre of the city.

Schiphol International airport (built on lands "stolen" from the sea) is one of most important on Europe. If your connecting fly is after 5 hours from arrival, you can take a ride to see the beautiful "blue-canal" town. (Every 10 minute there is a train from Schiphol to Amsterdam "Centraal Station".)