Felicia V, aug. 2018
Everyone is familiar with the iconic Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the hiding place from where Anne, her family and all its occupants were arrested and deported to Nazi death camps, but not many know of Anne and her family's life in Amsterdam, before they had to hide away. If this is the case with you, this Tour with the knowledgable and learned guide, Hermelinde is perfect for you.
We met Hermelinde in the Merdeplein Square Park where stands a statue of Anne, all dressed up with layers of clothing and a suitcase, ready to make her way to her hiding place. The park is close to her apartment building, where she and her friends used to play. It was a solemn feeling standing in the same spot as where she would have been watching her flat, calling out to her beloved mother and sister as she played.
Next Hermelinde walked us in Anne and her sister's footsteps to their respective schools, which still exist! We also had a chance to visit the bookstore from where her father bought her iconic diary.
Hermelinde also took as past many artists flats and studios, pointing out to those who helped shelter Jews during the Nazi regime.
We were also shown the homes of the kindly Dutch people who helped tend to Anne, her family and the occupants of Anne Frank House before they were captured. In fact it was one of them, Miep Gies, a lady family friend, who managed to salvage pages of Anne's diary after the Nazi raid, which she handed over to Anne's tearful father, when he was released by the Allied forces from a concentration camp. Thanks to her and Anne's father, we have learnt so much of the Franks' lives, of their near and dear ones, friends and acquaintances and of the terrifying time in Amsterdam and Europe during the Nazi regime.
During the walk, Hermelinde also often pointed out to us buildings that existed during the Second World War and which are still standing in all their glory, very well maintained.
As we had young children, our Tour ended at a popular ice cream parlour and Hermelinde really allowed us to pile our cones high.
Being a native German, Hermelinde has been particularly touched by all the occurances of the Second World War, hence her taking us on this tour, where we were literally walking in many iconic footsteps was truly significant.
I whole heartedly recommed this uniquely different Tour. It's honestly not depressing, but instead very informative. It tells you of lives that were being well lived, before they were tragically turned upside down.
Do this Tour first and then visit The Anne Frank House- everything will then become much clearer for you.
Felicia Variava Albert, Manging Director, Blaze Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India