Merle and I had bought tickets long in advance ( necessary) to see the Anne Frank house. It was not a disappointment. It's the actual building where she, her family and others were hidden from the Nazis. The museum had real documents, family photos as well as portions of the original diary. But the most amazing part was that the rooms where they hid were a part of the tour. The rooms have been furnished as they were in the 40s and you could really see how it might have felt for them to be so restricted. I'm sure you know that her father was the only survivor, and when he returned to Amsterdam after the war he found that Anne's diary had been retrieved by one of the brave people who helped supply the family ( and keep the, alive). We saw video clips of Otto Frank talking about the diary--- he said it took a very long time for him to be able to read it. We are benefit from his efforts to get it published and tell their story to the world. This museum experience was powerful. I noticed that the website for the Anne Frank house has educational videos suitable for teachers. Bravo.
In the afternoon I got to see my former student, Jacques. He has led a fantastic life and has been very successful in his international governmental work. I am not surprised ---as he is gifted and very hard working. He has worked on international efforts to deal with chemical weapons as well as security in the EU. It was most interesting to hear his international perspective on the insanity that led to Brexit and the US election--- two tragic decisions in our lifetime.
At 4 pm our tour group met for the first time. It's a nice sized group of 21. More are married couples than in my previous trips--- only a few solo travelers. Our Dutch guide, Frans, seems lovely and quite capable. It looks like it will be another well- done tour!
The next 2 days will be in Amsterdam before we get on our boat Thursday afternoon. So much to see!
Jane
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