John Adams in Amsterdam

Before John Adams became the second President of (a very new) United States of America, he could be found hanging out in Amsterdam.  In fact, he was here as the first US ambassador to the Netherlands during the 1780's.

While doing his diplomatic duties in Holland, Adams lived very modestly in the home of a widow on a side street somewhere in Amsterdam.  However, when his co-revolutionaries back home asked him to secure a loan of ten million dollars, Adams had to prove his status so the Dutch leaders would take him seriously.  He moved to this lovely canal house at Keizersgracht 529, built in 1760 and still in its original state.  Read more here. 

Here's our Abigail on the very steps where Adams once came and went.  Our Abigail, who was partly named in honor of a very cool woman in American history--Abigail Adams, John's wife, confidante and sometimes co-politician.

This was Adams' view from his new house. Abby's ballet and piano classes are right around the corner.

Needless to say, I don't know that his new lodgings helped him out much with Dutch councilors, who were skeptical about supporting the American cause (only France had recognized the revolution at this point).

And, conversely, Adams was not exactly enamored with the Dutch, of whom he said the following. 

"I have been in the most curious country among the most incomprehensible people and under the most singular constitution of government in the world".

"The councils of this people are the most inscrutable I ever saw."

I laughed out loud about the "endless consultations," which are still very much a part of Dutch workplace culture.  Not to mention, Adams also thought the Dutch were not very well-read and badly informed about international developments.

If you've never seen the HBO series "John Adams," it is soooooo good.  Well worth the time investment. I got such a kick out of the clip from the mini-series when Adams pleads his case in front the Dutch councilors!  Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney are perfect as John and Abigail.

Just follow this link to YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj1cgBI5rdI

Adams eventually got a loan of two million dollars, not quite the 10M he'd hoped for, and it only came after he'd suffered a six-month bout of malaria, which he probably contracted from living near the canal.  But everyone was happy, and the house Adams bought in The Hague became the very first embassy in American history.