Amsterdam

Amsterdam June 12 - 15

We flew from Orlando to Amsterdam on Norse Airways and then connected to Easyjet for a flight to Amsterdam, arriving late in the afternoon. After a long day, we were happy to check in to our hotel and have an easy evening.

Our hotel, the Park Plaza, just across from the railway station

Just outside our hotel seemed to be starting point for many canal excursions, but the day was rather chilly and we had been on the canals before, so we just kept walking

Of course, Amsterdam is filled with beautiful old buildings and many streets are pedestrianized which makes walking (or a riding a bike) very easy.

Bridges and locks are everywhere

These treats looked wonderful but we resisted and didn't buy any.

Apparently, toy ducks are a "thing" in Amsterdam - perhaps everywhere in Holland. It was something we hadn't seen before.

The main railway stattion was just across from our hotel and was quite splendid.

Next day (Sunday) we took the train to Bilthoven to see my old University frined Chris Hosnan, who still uses her maiden name (Mummery) for professional purposes. She and her husband Ivo live in a delightful thatched house. We have stayed here in the past, but not this time.

Ivo and Paul, Chris with grandchild and Kristine

We spent the day at their house as Ivo is very sick and we didn't want to tire him. Chris made lunch and in the afternoon, her daughter Kelly arrived with one of her grandkids, whose name we didn't catch. Kelly took the picture!

In the afternoon, Chris came with us on the train to Utrecht, to show us around. Utrecht is a very pretty old city with the river running the center. There are restaurants all along the riverwalk.

The tower in the background was once attached to the church, but now stands alone.

Old friends - now for over 50 years

After walking around the old part of Utrecht, we headed back to Amsterdam and Chris took the train back to Bilthoven. We are hoping to see Chris again in the UK next year, where she has renovated her parents home as a family holiday home, but sadly Ivo may not be with her.

Next day (Monday) the highlight was a visit to the Van Gogh Museum.

As you would expect, lots of Van Gogh paintings including some famous ones like the Potato Eaters and his room, but no "Starry Night" which was a disappointment. Lots of self portraits, though.

Van Gogh's bedroom in Arles

The Potato Eaters

One picture picture is sweetly dedicated to his brother, Theo (a mon frere Theo) who supported Vincent for most of his life.

The next day (Tuesday) we had to get up very early for our 6:00am flight to Samos.

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