Jet-Setting with Jess

An evening canal cruise is the perfect way to wrap up the days sunlight and enjoy a spritz watching the sunset!

These tours are great ways to learn more about the city of Amsterdam. A few fun facts we learned on this tour…

1. The hooks seen at the tops of most of these canal homes were used as a way to hoist bags of spices to the attic where they were stored away from the sun behind trap doors and furthest from the moisture of the canals. Now they are still used but as a way to hoist large furniture up to the higher floors since steps are often too steep and narrow to get furniture up.

2. Homes in this city were taxed by the number of windows they had so spice warehouses creatively used wooden trap doors instead to evade extra taxes.

3. This city is built on a forest of logs and homes that are “leaning” are not uncommon due to oxidation of the exposed log causing sinking. While most have been reinforced beneath the surface, there is no way to correct the lean without damaging the structure.

4. The Netherlands government enticed families to return to Amsterdam after WWII by offering them house boat living on the canals fully tax exempt, with free permits, if they brought their own boat. This was in part due to the shortage of undamaged properties after the war. Many years later after realizing these boats needed more infrastructure support (sewer, water, trash, etc) the government statted enforcing paid prrmits and taxing each boat. Many were angered and left the canals and boat living but for those who stayed…well these boats with canal permits can exceed 1 million euros now! 😳

Discovering the beauty of Ischia with stunning sea views, incredible food, and the perfect spritz. Cheers to island life and unforgettable moments!