20180423 - 20180424 - Amsterdam

Karen and I were on our own as Lesley had to attend her conference.  After a leisurely breakfast, we started our walk around the Joordan district.  It was very relaxing and the window shopping amongst the Nine streets was also very enjoyable - tons of unique little shops selling everything from cow trinkets to jewelry, clothing to furniture, paintings to books, etc.

After lunch, it was museum time again.  We visited the Stedelijk modern art museum to learn how modern art evolved over time, and the Van Gogh to admire the master's work over his short career span.  Of all the works at the museum, I like his self portrait (with the straw hat) and the Almond Blossoms best.

Our last day in Amsterdam was a busy one.  We started our day with a visit to the Albert Cuyp Markt - a mix of flea market and farmer's market.  Unfortunately we're too full to snack!  On our way to the Gassan Diamond tour, we stopped at the Huis de Pinto to see the lovely painted ceiling of the rich merchant's house.  The diamond tour was not worth the time …. unlike the Maritime museum next on the list.  We followed the highlights and saw some old maps, navigational instruments, model ships and finally the real thing - the cargo ship of the Dutch East India Company called Amsterdam.

With aching feet, we dragged ourselves to NEMO - the science centre.  We're planning to take the lift and just visit the terrace.  But we ended up walking through the exhibits on each floor because they were fun and it was great to see kids with wide eyes and big smiles.   And we rewarded our efforts with a snack and a cold one on the terrace while taking in the panoramic view of the city.  You really have to see this building … the design, inside and out, are very well thought out.

After the recharge, we wandered over to the public library to check out the view of the city on the top floor.  As you'd have expected, we combed through several of the floors.  We're impressed with the imaginative use of space and the variety of facilities provided.

Before we bid adieu to the city, we took the ferry across the canal for a view of the cityscape and the Eye Film Institute - another gorgeous building.

A mix of old and new, a bit of culture, a bit of driving and food adventure … what a wonderful way to explore a European country.  I do miss my bike ride … with friendly people and a relaxing atmosphere … we'll be back!

store on Nine Streets

pancake lunch

the tranquil canal scene

the Zuiderkerk church with a crown on top

the ornate Huis de Pinto

the Dutch East India cargo ship - Amsterdam

the gorgeous NEMO

the futuristic Eye Film Institute

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