Our Travels: SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014 - AMSTERDAM CANAL CRUISE, GUIDED TOUR OF GASSAN DIAMOND WORKS, AND DEPARTURE FROM AMSTERDAM

After breakfast we left the ship and boarded a smaller glass enclosed vessel for cruising the canals of Amsterdam. (note: these pictures were all taken through the glass enclosure of the boat and the quality is sometimes not as good as desired). I passed on many photo opportunities because of this restriction, but finally decided that this view of the multiple bridges was worth trying to get.

Here, you can see the bridge as it can be opened for traffic that cannot pass under it.

Note the houses and boats along the canal.

Note the various sizes, shapes, and how the structures lean.

This picture seems like it could be a painting.

The 1 hour guided boat cruise on the most picturesque canals of Amsterdam ended near the location of the Gassan Diamond Works and we accepted an invitation to visit the factory of the diamond company. (pictures were not allowed).

For over 425 years, Amsterdam has been known internationally as the ‘City of Diamonds’. In fact, the brilliant cut, which originated in Amsterdam, is also known as the ‘Amsterdam cut’. The information included was about carats, colors, clarity and cuts. This Amsterdam-based diamond cutting and trading company is located in a historic diamond factory, which was at one time powered by steam. We were able to watch diamond cutters at work and later a guide told us all about diamond cutting process. Watching the cutters we were able to see how a sparkling diamond emerged from the rough stone. In addition, we were given the opportunity to buy the internationally renowned ‘Amsterdam Cut’ as well as Gassan’s proprietary diamond cut, the Gassan 121 with 121 facets. We chose to not accept this opportunity but did enjoy the tour.

Prior to lunch we returned to the ship. After lunch a nap seemed to be "in order". At about 4:45 p.m. with all aboard we sailed for Cologne, Germany leaving Amsterdam behind.