What a lovely way to see a country! Since 1981 I've had the pleasure of many visits to this fair country. Three times in the last 4 years, and I always enjoy the familiarity, The Windmill at Wijk bij Duurstede, by Van Ruisdael in 1680, my very favourite painting of Holland. Wouldn't this be nice to hang on our wall?! Whenever I look at it it speaks of that special light and sky one often finding here. 
But I always find something new as well. I mean who would have guessed that we'd find a fair with rides in Dam Square, Amsterdam! Those Dutch always find a way to surprise!
Erin and I have travelled all over the place and have had some fun, that's for sure! We always do when we travel together, and that's pretty special! We've been riding the rails from town to town, city to city.
Late last night...
An early morning photo taken from a high speed train on the way to Amsterdam.
Lovely little markets abound, each with fresh stroop wafels...yum!
Small pumpkins!
We had a nice pasta lunch in a small funky place that Erin came to know when living in Amsterdam for a time a couple of years ago. Then we wandered to the flower market for a look around and as we exited the sky had a forbidding look. 
We decided that it was time for a hot drink so we walked on quite briskly and found a great window table on a canal...inside. The outside tables were busy serving apparently oblivious to the approaching storm. Thunder cracked, the rains fell and people generally fled. All that was eventually left were the pigeons who carefully selected the snack that suited them best.
Then it was time to catch the train home. 
These birds were cooked!
We have found our way to many places...
A quick trip to Haarlem where Annemarie and I staged our 3 week bike ride when we arrived from Canada.
Some lovely sights along the canals.Yesterday we travelled in to Amsterdam for a long day, a late dinner and a train ride home. Excellent!
We headed off to check out a few places including Rembrandt's house where you can visit for €10. Bet he'd have loved that. Gave up the house when he was facing bankruptcy. Apparently he tried to hold on to this house tooth and nails, but without luck.
Express delivery in Holland! Has to be on a bike!!
Fall is definitely touching this area. Cold nights are changing the tree colours.
Amsterdam is showing its Cheistmas and Cinter Claus look already! Excited Caitlin?
Okay, what's a stroop waffel? And did you get a ride on the big wheel?
ReplyDeleteGood to see that you're enjoying your time in Holland. You deserve a rest after your epic walk(s).
Ken
It's a cookie that's heated with syrup between two thin waffle like cookies. Very good! Nope, no ride on the big wheel.
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