We awakened to another day of drizzle, but I would not let it deter me. I decided to go for a walk before the streets got crowded and see a few more things. Ed stayed in the room to relax.
Our hotel is by the train station, which is also near the waterfront. Thus a walk from here is the starting point for walking the old town.
The rain cleared so I was able to take some photos of popular landmarks. Here are some of the best:
The train station, built in the late 1880's in neo-Gothic style on reclaimed land that was once the harbor mouth.
Facing from the train station is Damrak Street, the main thoroughfare.
To its left is a docking area.
Some houses come straight down into the water.
Walking along are more beautiful canals with locks to control water flow.
Here is a good representation of the different gables along the rooftops that hide a pitched roof. These are simply decorative elements.
My walk took me into the Jordaan area, an older section of town. I was able to walk down 3 of the "nine little streets," which is a delightful shopping area. Good news - stores weren't open and I don't shop.
I ended with a photo of the Magna Plaza, the old post office with similar architecture to the old train station. Inside is now a major shopping center.
Then Ed and I checked out of our hotel, bidding goodbye to this great view from our balcony.
We caught an Uber to the Rijksmuseum, our event for the day.
We were very impressed with the experience.
Housed in a beautiful and sprawling 19th century neo-Gothic building, this art museum houses the best of Dutch painters such as Rembrandt, Steen and Vermeer. There were also some other surprises.
We had a delightful lunch in their cafe and explored the high points. They allow photography so here are some to share.
The most famous is Rembrandt's "Night Watch," 1642, which takes up the entire wall at the end of the "Gallery of Honor".
Other Rembrandt's are there including "The Jewish Bride," 1665-1669.
Johannes Vermeer is represented by "The Milkmaid," 1660, and View of the House in Delft," 1660.
Steen - "The Merry Family,"
Toulouse-Lautrec - his first poster for the Moulin Rouge, an instant success, 1891.
Monet - "La Corniche Near Monaco" -1884
Van Gogh - a self portrait - 1887
The only woman represented was Therese Schwartz - "Portrait of Lizzie Ansingh," 1902
The final highlight for us were two very elaborate doll houses made for wealthy families in the late 1600s. They have survived almost 400 years in tact. They are noteworthy not only for their beauty but because they are perfectly proportioned.
Then we picked up our bags from the hotel and headed to our boat, the AMA Prima with AMA Waterways. We arrived in time for a lovely dinner and off to bed.
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