Amsterdam

 

This morning we had our first real rain (meaning rain that we were out walking in) Fairly cool as well, about 15C so we weren't in a rush to get going. After breakfast Karen, Aaron and I ventured out to Rembrandt House museum. It was about a 30 minute walk from the pier, and the streets were not busy. Entrance fee was 17.50 EUR (about $26.00CAD) and included locker fee and headsets and audio presentation. It was great to be able to take off our jackets and leave our wet umbrellas behind as we toured the house. They had a great set up showing the rooms as they appeared in Rembrandt's time, and showing many of his paintings and etchings. There was also a demonstration of how he would have made his pigments, and another on how the etchings were done. We learned a lot about his life and what it was like to live in those times. Well worth doing!

By the time we got out of the museum the sun was shining and the streets were full. We stopped for a beer, fries with mayonnaise and some little meatballs. Cost for the 3 of us 26 EUR or about 38.00CAD. We were ready for a break, and this really hit the spot. Note that you go to a cafe not a coffeshop, as coffee shops don't serve coffee! Afterwards we headed through the Red light district which is pretty quiet during the day, and over to Damrak and Central Station. This seems to be the busiest city we've been in so far. We made it back to the ship with about 25 minutes to spare. I watched sail-away from the Living Room, then headed down to the cabin to catch up on some work.











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