A lovely summer day in Amsterdam...

Belgium, Estonia, Latvia.....(though I've seen Sweden up at #2 in other lists - not this paper)

https://elifesciences.org/content/5/e13410

 

You're probably not a scientist (otherwise; well done!), but do you have any idea how come that people are taller in some countries than others? I can imagine it has something to do with nutrients, wealth (= health) and life style, but still it seems illogical that there is such a difference. Maybe temperature/weather conditions are of influence as well?

 

I'm ABD actually (all but degree) - have a Masters, finished my coursework & comps for my PhD but left after the dissertation proposal defense - it was a very bad match for me. But demography is a love of mine (as my minor in the PhD)- study of populations (fertility is my favorite, but, I've had quite a few general courses as well) That paper and others talk about changes over time, and environment, food & genetics tend to be the main reasons for change over time. Lots of study right now about why/how Americans aren't near the top anymore and have plateaued.....

 

Thanks for the great pics! Reminds us of our two trips to your lovely city. Both times we've stayed near Dam Square and had a wonderful meal at this great restaurant - http://www.caferestaurantvankerkwijk.nl/eng/11.html

GG

 

I'm ABP myself (all but perfect).
Only kidding... I'm perfect of course ;-)

But yes, as people in the States are from all countries, I would think that their genetics should be super strong. Same as with dogs (hope no one is insulted by the comparising), the mongrel dogs are usually stronger than the full breeds. Interesting topic this!

 

Thank you for the recommendation! I live very close to there, but never heard about it. I will sure check it out.

I already checked out the website and they don't use a menu. How did that work out? And are prices reasonable?

 

Yes, no 'menu' pe se. It's quite interesting. The Server will tell you what's on that night. I believe they always have the same steak special as locals won't let it go. Entrees are about 20 Euros, wine is decent and fairly priced. Nice little bar to sit at if you are waiting for a table. I believe we paid about 75 euros for a meal for two, including wine. Wonderful food.

It was originally recommended by a Bike Tour leader (Mike's Bikes).

GG

 

Sounds really nice. I love to try new places (new to me I mean). You never know what gem you discover.

Coming Friday we will have a dinner from work at a restaurant in Amsterdam I never been to. So I'm excited about that too. And the free drinking doesn't hurt either ;-)

 

During the war years when healthy food was limited, the average height of Dutch people was much shorter.

 

Whenever I hear Amsterdam I think "RoYALe with Cheese"!!
(Yeah , I know he was talkin abiut Paris)
Albeit
Great pics !!
Beautiful city!

 

Well I found flight deals I couldn't pass up ($401 RT) so we are booked for April. (Sorry Vegas, we will miss our spring trip) Likely staying in Prinsengracht. So excited. I hope the weather is reasonable in April.

 

It's rather pleasant in April though it can get a bit warm (upper 80's, low 90's). Okay so that's warm to me. I am there pretty much every year end of Mar - early April and it's still a bit cool in MN at that time.

 

Been there twice and absolutley love it - great pics you put up too.

 

Staying at Prinsengracht I think is great! "Gracht" means canal, so you will be staying on one of those lovely canal streets.



If you enlarge the picture, you can see that Prinsengracht is the 4th canal, counting from inside out (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht). Those canals were built (or dug I should say) every time the city would grow, that's why they are in circles around each other.

If you like, you can send me a pm with the address number and things you like to see/do/eat, then I can maybe advise you some nice places and directions how to get there.

The nice thing about Amsterdam is that you can easily walk everywhere within those canals (assuming you don't mind walking), or otherwise take public transport like trams and even night busses all night long. No need for expensive taxi's.

 

I think you are describing the weather in Vegas?

Hard to say what the weather is like in Amsterdam in April, could be anywhere between 50-70 Fahrenheit and can be sunny or pooring rain unfortunately.

 

Thank you!

 

Forgot to mention: If you are in Amsterdam on the 27th of April, you will experience King's Day, celebrating the birthday of our King Willem Alexander. The date changed a couple of years ago from April 30 to April 27, when the Prince took over the Kingdom from his mother, Queen Beatrix.

 

We are going to be there for King's Day. When I was checking on events in April I knew we couldn't resist a huge street party.

 

You will love it! It's the next best thing to Vegas