city tour. But I’m lost before I begin. Lost amidst the range of alternatives offered by the brochure in my hand--museums, galleries, other places to see. What a lot of choices for a city of 731,000 with 88 canals. Fortunately the cafe owner directs me to the nearest tourism office.

A TOUR OF AMSTERDAM
I duck inside when I see the letters VVV (Vereniging voor Vreemdelingenverkeer, aka Tourism Office). The triple-option Amsterdam Pass they recommend looks like putting an end to my predicament. The 2-day option seems right for me. Free transportation for 48 hours with entrance to 24 museums and galleries free of charge, a complimentary canal tour and shopping at several shops at
25% off.
I decide to start my tour with the museum farthest away. Boarding the tram, I begin my 48-hour marathon as the conductor stamps my ticket.
At the Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) you can see an exact replica of a commercial ship called ‘Amsterdam’