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{{B}}A City
of Many Faces{{/B}} Amsterdam is a city of many faces. It is the capital of the Netherlands. even though it is not the seat of Parliament or the government. Amsterdam is more than just a capital, however. It is the essence of the Netherlands: not just because it is the largest city in the country, but more particularly because it is the mainspring of our country's economic, social and cultural life. Already more than seven hundred years old, our compact city has more of which it can be proud: world-class orchestras and dance groups, more than forty renowned museums, almost a thousand restaurants serving cuisine from countries around the globe, gabled mansions and magnificent churches from the 17th century Golden Age. But, as Amsterdammers. we are most proud of our tradition of hospitality. We really want every one to feel at home. You will find this friendliness and helpfulness everywhere: at tile XXX Tourist Office, in our hotels and restaurants, at our colorful street markets and distinctive Haute Couture shops, in our brown cafes and nightclubs. Whether you are a business executive or a tourist, you will find people here eager to talk with you usually in your own language. Multilingualism is another feature in which the Dutch take pride. |