Inveterate Travellers: Return to Amsterdam

We caught the train in Ghent, to Antwerp, then changed trains to catch the Thalys (very fast train) to Amsterdam and it was quite surprising how quickly the trip went by – including a light lunch and a glass of wine. A very smooth trip!

We caught a cab at Amsterdam station as we weren’t quite sure just how far we might have to drag our suitcases through the city, but it was only a ten minute (through very crowded streets) trip to Wolvenstraat and met our B&B host, Jasper, at the door. Again, we had to manhandle cases up very steep stairs – typical in Amsterdam – but we were surprised and pleased that we had a quite large room with a sitting area and plenty of light, at the back of the building so no street noise. There are 3 or 4 restaurants in the street below so we would be spoiled for choice for food.

Exploring the area, we realised that we’re not far from the last place we stayed at on our last trip here and it’s a really lovely area – between the 2^nd and 3^rd canal, in the “Nine Streets” district, not far from Jordaan. We’re only a few hundred metres from the tram line which serves all the major sights and the shopping district.

Over our few days here, we’ve explored the area around us, welcomed Kate from England (here for the weekend) explored the city on another Mike’s Bikes City Tour, spent some hours in the Rijksmuseum – home to works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, and dozens of other well known Dutch artists. The Rijksmuseum was closed for renovation last time we were here, but it was worth the wait to see it in its full glory. It is a magnificent place with an amazing collection. We have walked and walked and explored much more of Amsterdam than we were able to last trip. The Mike’s Bikes experience is a little daunting but well worth the effort – it is a great way to see the city and join the bulk of Amsterdammers who ride bicycles in this city. It seems that every person here owns at least one or two bikes and they cruise through the crowds without a care. It takes a little while to become accustomed to joining in, but it’s well worth while. Our guide, Pete, born Canadian (of Dutch parents) but now a Dutch ‘native’, was very knowledgeable and also patient with a few of our group who were not proficient on bicycles. He sure needed to be patient!

Yesterday, prior to our bike tour, we walked deep into the Jordaan area to take in a real local farmers market and it was well worth the effort – an amazing array of fresh meat and fish, cheeses, vegetables and fruit and an even more amazing display of clothing, both new and 2^nd hand, bric-a-brac and “antique” goods.

We have another day here to fill a few gaps – places that we’ve yet to visit and food that we’ve not yet tried, or beer that we’ve not yet tried, but I’m sure we’ll manage. Then, it’s a fast train from Amsterdam to Hamburg!