The Venice of the North - Part 4

Criss-crossed by a network of picturesque canals overhung with leafy trees and bordered by the iconic Amsterdam bollards in rust red emblazoned with the three St Andrew's crosses from the Amsterdam coat of arms, Amsterdam is truly a city of water.

Boats and barges, both industrial and recreational are moored along the waters edge while pedalos and canoes slip up and down.

The water plays home to both business and celebration. Parties and celebrations with music and chanting echo next to business men in suits sipping champagne while young families luncheon on the water.

Historic buildings line the waters edge, soaring into the sky and framing the boulevards.

The canals run for miles, providing beautiful scenic walks.  As the sun sets, the city lights up with reflections shimmering back from the water.

It's been said of Amsterdam that the water is the mistress and the land the vessel. Water does seem to dominate life in the Venice of the North.