Amsterdam

We had a rather miserable overnight trip to Amsterdam on WOW airlines. It's bare bones all right and we had a change of planes in Iceland in the middle of the night. That will be the last time we do that!

But Walt and Honoree were there at the airport to meet us and escort us to our new home for the week. Airbnb hostess Els has a mother in law type little apartment next to her's with a separate entrance and a balcony overlooking a private garden. There isn't a kitchen but she provides a large assortment of fruits, breads, cheese, yougurt etc. for breakfast (and at least in one case, dinner). It's right in the center of Amsterdam near the Hermitage Museum and the Artis Zoo. 

They had tickets for us for a the Five Star Dance Company Performance that night at the Stadsschouwburg Theater. It was walking distance from our apartment and a fantastic night. And it kept us up until 11 pm their time (5 pm in EST) when we managed to fall fast asleep. The weather has been pretty near perfect here with daytime highs in the 70's and 80's and the 60's and 50's at night. No rain so far and mostly sunny. 

The interior of the Stadsschouwburg.

Walt, Honoree and Heather

The lively scene outside the theater after the show. We were too tired to join in.

Looking back at the theater

The next morning we walked down to the Maritime Museum. The replica of the 18th C "Amsterdam" is outside and a really gorgeous Royal barge. Inside the lovely 1656 building we saw ship models, ship decorations (like figureheads), paintings and a Virtual Reality Tour of Golden Age Amsterdam Harbor. After lunch at their cafe we headed back for a long nap before meeting Walt & Honoree for dinner downtown - another long walk. Despite all the exercise I had a hard time getting to sleep that night.

Boats of all kinds cruise the canals. This one was a surprise!

This group were whooping and hollering, generally having a
great time. 

Scott tried to get a shot of these baby ducklings but Daddy
was having none of it!

We love seeing the bridges open. There are so many types.

The Maritime Museum and the "Amsterdam"

Heather wearing her audio player

The gorgeous Royal Barge - still used by the King

These ship decorations were very amusing

As was this caption on a parked car.

Boats of all kinds even include these inflatable birds

Next day we visited the Rijsmuseum, again walking distance. And what an amazing place. You could spend weeks in it. We managed one floor which included the Rembrandts and then the most modern section which included some beautiful Van Goghs. Walt & Honoree met us for a late lunch sitting outside overlooking one of the canals - see below for the view.

The Jewish Bridge by Rembrandt at the Rijsmuseum 

And his huge and wonderful "Night Watch"

Here's our lunch spot - pretty, yes?

We had a long talk with this boat captain. He
gives tours of one or one and a half hours
(150 or 180 Euros) Too rich for our
pocketbooks. It's solar powered!

Dutch waffles come in all flavors.

There are MILLIONS of bicycles in Amsterdam - 1.5 for
every resident.. Dedicated bike paths are on every street and
they are packed - especially at commuting hours.

Dutch shoes as souvenirs

Honoree made dinner at her apartment for us. These huge
artichokes inspired her. 

I bought basil hummus and olives for another dinner at our
apartment.

She added these "gambias" (large shrimps) to the menu

Scott tries a freshly made macaroon.

And here's the final dish at Honoree & Walt's apartment!
Shrimp & Artichoke pasta with cream sauce.