Last Days

During the last three days in Amsterdam, we have certainly done a lot of walking, had to buy new shoes!
When we disembarked the barge this past Saturday morning, we dropped off our luggage at our hotel and Brenda and Molly went their own way together as did Robin and I. Decided we wanted to get some exercise (sounds funny after a week of cycling!), so we headed to Vondelpark, just a few blocks from our hotel. The park covers 47 acres and people everywhere enjoying the sunny day. Some boot camps going on, as well as yoga classes, people rollerblading, walking, cycling and dog walking. We love the fact that great Cities invest in green spaces like this. Hard to believe that this park has been here since 1865.

Vondelpark

We went to the Van Gogh museum. A great retrospective of his work through the ten years he painted, very enjoyable. Unfortunately, could not take pictures at the museum. After leaving the museum, we got lost in the neighbouring streets, which is always a good thing. Ran into a Dutch gentleman who we spoke to for a while. He told us to go a few blocks to a local organic market...thank you. What a little gem. We bought Dutch waffles. Mine had fresh strawberries and Robin's had nutella and strawberries....yum. Sat at a picnic table with some locals and had a wonderful visit with a Dutch couple. Discussed the recent coronation of the king and he showed us pictures of his family and the locals celebrating the event, then onto the Dutch economy and life in general. Walked to the flower market, quite a walk, then back to the hotel via tram.

The canals in Haarlem

On Sunday, we headed off to Haarlem, a town some 20 kms. from Amsterdam. We took the tram, then a train from the Central train station. Very quiet on a Sunday morning. We went to the town centre and heard music from the local church. The service was just finishing, so we entered. Someone playing a beautiful pipe organ, so we sat down to listen. Off to sit by the canals to watch people enjoying the day on the water. Back to Amsterdam so I could meet Brenda and Molly at the Anne Frank Huis. Very interesting and very moving to see what these people went through.

The Nightwatch by Rembrandt

Monday, our last day in Amsterdam. Headed off to the Rijksmuseum where we spent three hours. Lots of people here, but still able to enjoy the art. Then walked through some new undiscovered neighbourhoods to the Albert Cuyps market. Somewhat tacky, but able to taste proffertjes, a Dutch pastry, like pancake puffs served with icing sugar. Walked through a high end shopping area,the back to the hotel.

During the vast three days, Brenda and Molly have had their time together as had we, but we have met each night for drinks and dinner. Lots of good meals and laughs each night.

Well, two and a half months have passed since we left Calgary. In retrospect, Robin and I have so many good memories of places we have seen, people we have met and many wonderful adventures. It has also been great to have Brenda and Molly join us in our travels as we have had so much fun together experiencing new places. Thank you to both of you.

I have enjoyed writing this blog of our travels, as before, and hopefully these reading has experienced someof what we have, even if only vicariously!

Goodbye till the next time.