On the “road” again.
)
We left on Sunday afternoon from D.C. where we flew to Detroit did a quick plane hop and then we were in for the long 7 hour flight to Amsterdam. Arriving at 11am (5am our time) with little broken sleep to tide us over, we headed out to explore Amsterdam since our departing flight wasn’t until 9pm.
The initial weather was pleasant and mild, with autumn breezes that whisked through the narrow streets. Our first stop was to buy a day ticket on the canal bus, so we could jump on and off the glass-housed boat that runs throughout the city.
The first neighborhood to explore was the Jordaan (the neighborhood where Anne Frank lived), lined with quaint uniquely gabled houses dripping with flowers and ivy from window boxes.
It is not uncommon to see houseboats that have permits to reside right on the side of the canals. Not much of a yard, eh?)
Amsterdam is the city of a gazillion bikes. The parking garage next to the main train station houses thousands of them, and every business has parking out front for them as well.
The Canals that wind throughout the city lend an amazing ambiance to even a casual walk….
Jacob found this quaint little truck…
We strolled through a handful of open air markets, selling all types of wares. I was pleased to buy a beautiful turquoise scarf since I had forgotten my own which was necessary as the weather had turned cold and rainy halfway through our afternoon.
Behind the impressive museum full of Rembrandts and Vermeers (didn’t have time to peruse) we found this wonderful touristy thing to take a picture of. Had to pull out the camera timer much to Jacob’s chagrin. ;o)
With virtually no rest in the past 24 hours, Jacob took advantage of some downtime on the Canal Bus.
A stop in Dam Square and a wonderful cozy steak dinner finished up our day…
After spending an afternoon in the damp dreary and spritzing weather, the sun decided to gloriously come out when we were heading back up to the train station. Figures.) O well, it was quite the lovely escapade anyhow and gives me the excuse for one last picture……
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