The unusual ways Holland built their houses beside the canals

After reading East Coast Life article on the thin Holland house:

http://eastcoastlife.blogspot.com/2008/01/photo-hunt-skinny.html, I recalled some interesting aspect how the Dutch built their houses.

While on the river cruise in Holland, I observed on the top of the Holland flats there are hooks and pulley systems.

The tour manager explained it is interesting to note that the Dutch shift their heavier furnitures through the windows using a pulley systems.

Take a look at the photo, how they lower their furniture through the windows to the boats below in the canal and transport their furnitures. Their cars behind also usually have hooks.

I admired the efficiency and innovative aspect of the Dutch. Their land is mostly below water levels but through clever innovations by building dams across low lying area to keep the water out. Lots of land can be used efficiently.

Take a look at this awesome Amsterdam canal pic:http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcnbits/331201743/page2/?addedcomment=1#comment72157603989546523