PHOTO BY DANNY KLASEN
I was greeted with a panorama of grassy fields, far-flung houses and herds of sheep. I did not expect to see so much green.
I was in The Netherlands. Its name literally translates to “lower countries,” with one-third thereof lying below sea level. As early as the 12th century, numerous floods ravaged its lands, killed thousands of people, and adversely affected its agricultural industry. Thus, The Netherlands developed and became known for its sophisticated anti-flooding system, consisting of dikes, pumps and sand dunes along the coast.
The Netherlands likewise houses the world’s legal capital, largest port in Europe, headquarters of leading multinational companies, and the creator of hit television shows, such as Big Brother, The Voice and Deal or No Deal.
Danny, my boyfriend, fetched me at the Schiphol Airport. We rode the train and after we alighted, we were immediately greeted by bustling streets and the faint smell of cannabis. Welcome to Amsterdam.
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
Then a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam developed to become one of the most important ports during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century and the commercial capital of The Netherlands. It is known for, among others, its four main canals, Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, which were declared as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
The Rijksmuseum, which showcases significant artworks of Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer and Jan Steen, is likewise located in Amsterdam. Built in 1885, the Rijksmuseum featured a combination of gothic and renaissance elements and consisted of two squares with atriums leading to the art galleries.
