traveltales: PART OF HISTORY

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

PART OF HISTORY

THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE

In Amsterdam we visited the Anne Frank huis (house) early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Our guide told us, “The Germans occupied the Netherlands in May 1940 which started five years of repression, slave labor, terror, hunger, and fear for the Dutch people. When it was all over only one Jew out of four had survived.”

The Anne Frank house was built in 1635 as a merchant’s house. The price of a house and its taxes in Amsterdam were determined by its width. So it was common for homes to be two to three stories high, but very narrow and long, extending to the back of the lot. Often an annex house was built behind the original house.

Otto Frank, a displaced German Jew, established a wholesale herb and spice business from his house. Early in 1942 Mr. Frank started converting the annex house into a hiding place by slowly taking items from the main house and placing them in the annex. A hinged bookcase at the base of the staircase concealed the upper two floors and the attic of the annex.

Our guide continued, “The Frank family went into hiding in July 1942. Anne, then thirteen years old, kept a diary of her life for the 23 months the family hid in the annex attic. Her last entry was August 1, 1944. The German police arrived on August 4 and the family was deported, eventually ending up in Auschwitz concentration camp. Anne died in March 1945 just shy of the war’s end. Mr. Frank was the only member of the family to survive.”

It was a bit unnerving to climb the stairs to see and stand in the rooms where this family had hidden safely for so long. The space was not large. It must have been so difficult to exercise and to be quiet day after day. The fear of discovery must have weighed heavy on the whole family.

One of Mr. Frank’s employees found Anne’s diary and kept it until Mr. Frank’s return to Amsterdam. Anne Frank’s Diary has been published in several languages and over 13 million copies have been printed.

This was a very moving visit and sobering experience.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.