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