Amsterdam - Part Twee

Back to Amsterdam today. What a glorious day it turned out to be! Blue skies, puffy white clouds, and temperatures that were so nice we were able to leave a coat in the car.

We see this view every day when we drive out of Zevenhuizen. I love the contrast between old houses and new windmills - they seem to sit pretty comfortably together!

Our train from the Park & Ride at Sloterdijk to Central Station.

Every visit to Amsterdam has to include a visit to Den Haan & Wagenmaker - maker of reproductions of classic Dutch fabrics.

Next was a visit to the Flea Market at Waterlooplein. Crowded and great fun! You can find any bicycle part imaginable here, get your bike repaired, find cheap/trashy souvenirs, and a great assortment of yard-sale type of stuff.

We found a pair of antique Dutch plates from Delft that will be perfect for eating toasted bread.

Nearby to the Flea Market is Rembrant's house. He lived & worked here for about 30 years.

Next stop was the Dutch Maritime Museum where we visited a reproduction of a 17th century Dutch West India Company ship. It's hard to believe that 300+ men spent 8 months in such small spaces so that they could bring back a cargo of spices.

300+ sailors slept & ate in this space - along with the guns and cannonballs (and no bathing involved)!

I'm driving the ship - right!

The captain got a fairly nice dining room - and a rack of guns to keep the crew outside the door if needed.

We finished the day at the Brouwerij 't Ij (Brewery on the Ij river). It's housed in the only remaining windmill in Amsterdam (at least I think it's the last one.) What a zoo! You'd think everyone in Amsterdam was there! Linda had a glass of delicious pear drink, and I had the Natte beer - both very good!

Here are a few other shots from Amsterdam today.