Home

Photo & Journal Index

Total Trip Map

Recent Map

Caroline's Reading List

Email Scott

Email Caroline

From Van Gogh to Van der Struijs  

05/04/06 - Gouda, The Netherlands (Amsterdam photo album)

We make our final museum visits in Amsterdam before moving on to Gouda. home of Daniel and Leonne

 
During our last two days in Amsterdam, the weather improved greatly and we visited the Van Gogh Museum and 'the Masters' exhibition at the Rijksmuesum, which is all that is currently open there, as the main building is undergoing major renovations.  Both were highly enjoyable and we were glad we made the time to fit them in.  Caroline found the Van Gogh Museum to be especially delightful. After our early morning visit to the Rijksmuseum (in a successful attempt to avoid the crowds), we strolled through the Albert Cuyp street market, where we browsed the various wares for sale and sampled our first raw herring, a popular local snack served sliced in little pieces with (surprisingly mild) chopped onions and a dill pickle - truly a delicious taste treat (we almost went back for another one!) We also found some time to relax with a coffee and a beer (yes, again) at a canal-side cafe near the Anne Frank House, where we laughed gaily at all the silly tourists waiting in the long line...

Yesterday afternoon, we packed up our things and took the train to The Hague, where our Dutch friends Leonne and Daniel both work, to meet up with them to begin our home exchange stay at their home. They took us on a brief, but interesting tour of the city, including the Royal Palace, the Peace Palace, and the most fortified building in all of Holland - the U.S. embassy.  Afterward, we stopped for a delightful dinner, before we all took the train back to Gouda, where we will be based until we fly home in mid-May.  It was great to see them again so soon! 

Leonne and Daniel have a beautiful and comfortable home in the small, but lively town of Gouda, approximately an hour southwest of Amsterdam.  Their apartment, along with the others in their building, was carved out of an old cheese warehouse, but was built in a modern style.  It's a delightful and private little complex hidden from the street in the middle of the block and the apartment itself is wonderfully spacious, airy and light and has been painted and furnished beautifully.  Their small terrace off the living room is a true delight, especially now that the weather has changed.  Caroline could just sit on the balcony and watch for the neighboring roof cats all day long (a favorite pass-time of Daniel's also).

Our view from the terrace in Gouda...Can you spot the roof cat?