The directions to my little apartment include turning right at the mural of the nude. (Welcome to Amsterdam!) My place is small, in the attic, 54 steps up. The stairs are narrow and steep. I have to place my size 7 (38) shoes sideways on the treads while one hand is on the railing and the other reaches out to grab anything available, including the steps in front of me (on the way up). A ladder might be easier, as there's not usually a twist in it. Seriously, this is a typical Dutch staircase. No surprise there--I booked before messing up my knee--but let's just say that I won't be drinking before taking on the stairs. (Is anyone dizzy just from looking at the photo?)
Because of the utter impossibility of negotiating the stairs with stuff, most old Dutch buildings were built with a hoisting beam at the roofline. These protrude from the front and are equipped with a hook for a block and tackle. As I climbed the ladder to look out my only window this morning, I saw one opposite in use. The view is pretty good, if it weren't for the ladder...
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