Most cities of interest to tourists have split personalities, the public one that puts its best attractions forward and the private one where reality is a bit seedy and raw. It is my opinion that Amsterdam doesn't bother with this pretense. To wit, promoted without apology are tourist attractions such as its infamous redlight district and of course, Dam Square. For the courtesy of a tip, Don had his photo taken with Darth Vader...
Here I am listening to a musician entertain the crowd.
The National Monument is central to Dam Square and it is there that celebrations, protests and the like are held. The gathering of people that we observed was a mix of the old and young, the prosperous and the struggling artists of varied talents. 
This was a busy side street filled with shops and places to eat, some walk-ups, some with outside tables. I especially enjoyed the wonderful chocolates at The Truffel Bar. On our walk of several blocks, we encountered a bit of the seedy side referred to earlier, but I will leave the details to your imagination. 
I am standing in front of the double doors of Ouide Kerk. We toured the church which was consecrated in 1306. The floor is entirely of gravestones because it is built on a cemetery. Local citizens continued to be buried in the confines of the church until 1865. There are 2500 gravestones including the one of Saskia van Uylenburgh who became Rembrandt's wife. The church is known for its accoustics and is a popular concert venue. 
Don couldn't resist posing with the ad for Salt-N-Pepa. To our grandchildren Don is known as Pepa. 
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