Low Down

History of Japan has been filled with disgrace and violent acts of crimes against humanity, the period of the Second World War, in particular. Shameful acts were omnipresent, I have already described, partially, naturally, the outstanding and beautiful literature, however, behind the facade of fine verses and phrases lies something much more profound, not an imaginary line, yet, truth – crime which is not welcomed and easily acknowledged. The Nanjing Massacre was one of the most horrendous acts of violence, it took place shortly before the Second World War began, in 1937. The Chinese at Nanjing were treated as not human being, but, rather as sub-humane race. The pictures that have been taken at that time, well, are like a 'holy grail' for the International Military Tribunal for the Far East . Only small number of it prevailed, enough, though, to portray the evidence, which, is scarcely acknowledged by...

The city would't exist without the canals, the canals shaped it and made it to be prosperous and so beautiful. The canals were treated as a tool which established the trade and determined how the whole city worked and prospered. Unbelievable but true, the canals are this city, it stands for the heritage the whole Europe admires nowadays. The most prominent canal lies at Herengracht it is 3.5 km long. This and other canals were precious for ships which moored directly in front of the merchant's houses. It must have looked magnificent.  The nowadays Jordaan area looked as we do realize completely different, it is without a question the most desirable part of the city. Its development is dated back to 1612 where the district began its modern era. It provided accommodation to local artisans and small factories. All around the area small regular buildings plots emerged, fine houses, as well. The town plan is outstanding, it includes 90 islands linked by 500 bridges. Most of the can...

The XVII century is marked everywhere as the Age of prosperity and prominence, alike was in the Netherlands , Amsterdam was thriving, it became a glorious and a very rich city. Every aspect mattered. Its bigger rival – London didn’t outshine it. The impact of the oversea journeys was tremendous, Spain made almost total hegemony over the seas, the competition was fierce and bitter. Amsterdam got access to unknown and undiscovered territories, in 1595 the Dutch ships touched the coast of United East India Company. In 1602 the government established a monopoly law for all the goods of the Cape of Good Hope . In 1609 the bank of Amsterdam has been established. Shortly after it became a financial center of Europe . The Dutch empire grew in power, the lands were vast and included Sri Lanka , Tasmania , Bali, Timor, Java, Sumatra, Borneo , New Guinea and South Africa . As the trade expanded so did the colonies: Tobago, Cayenne , Bonaire, Curacao, St Martin, the Dutch Antilles, ...

The marriages triggered the way and means the Kingdom prevailed. The conquests guaranteed stability; it was not a constant one, however, made Amsterdam and its surrounding areas relatively stable and safe. The provinces were controlled and governed by the Duke of Burgundy, the year 1430 was in particularly were hard; rich in disputes and constant reshuffling of the government. Namely, Charles the Bold was the last Duke to hold on sway. He died in 1477; his heir was his daughter – Mary. She married the Crown Prince of Habsburg Empire’s -  Maximilian of Austria. The land passed into Habsburg hands. Maximilian’s son Philip married Joan ‘the Mad’ of Spain – he made an alliance with a very strong, powerful and extremely intolerant Catholic country. He was not aware of the consequences until 1478 when the Inquisition was announced and fully implemented upon other countries. The repercussions were everywhere – Amsterdam felt it momentously.  The religious madness was fueled by Philip...