And then we went to Amsterdam.......

So, one day Jon called and said "come with us to Amsterdam".     We paused  and thought of reasons why this just couldn't possibly fit into our busy ??  schedule.    And then 3 days later , we got on an airplane.  

Why Amsterdam you say?    Jon and Mary Beth have very busy schedules and when they find a block of days, they try and travel.   And since Jon works for United, they look at availability and go where it is relatively easy to get a seat.....thus Amsterdam.  

Weather was chilly but dry.   I can't imagine doing this in rain.     We covered most of the high spots and found the local trams to be clean and efficient.   We bought a 3 day pass which gave us access to museums and all the transportation we needed.   

There is no way I can adequately describe the bicycle situation .    Everyone rides them.   They are propped up and locked up everywhere.   They fly down the streets.   They carry babies in seats on the front and older kids on the back.   Crossing the streets is an act of courage.  They appear out of nowhere and are very stealth.   Rarely hear a bell although most bikes have them.  The bike paths are part of the roads and finding room for trolleys, pedestrians, cars and bikes is a work of engineering.   Many many cars are electric so between silent cars and bikes, it is much quieter than large cities.     Everyone spoke English and was very nice.   The bathrooms were spotless.   If I could live in one of those narrow canal houses (very very expensive) in the nice weather , I would be happy in Amsterdam.   

We found this pub with the best veggie burger I've ever had.   French fries seemed to be very popular as well as the ubiquitous stroopwafels.   Vegan options were popular everywhere.  

 

 

We did a daytime cruise on the canals and also a private tour at night on a beautifully restored boat owned by a young couple trying to make it in the tourist trade.    Highly recommend.   

Out of order, but this was our arrival at the airport about to take the train to our hotel after 7 hours flying.  

We did the Van Gogh museum ..... excellent presentations of his works.   Interestingly, Starry Night was not there and there isn't even a postcard or a mention.   It is actually permanently in MOMA in NYC.   Jon and Mary Beth did the Anne Franke house.   We were too late getting tickets so we went to the Tulip Museum nearby.   

Fortunately, walking is not a hardship for us and we managed to pile up the steps most days.    Makes me happy to know that my persistence in regular walking does pay off.    I don't think we held up the young people all that much although sometimes we went our separate ways.   

Before, we crossed the pond , we spent a day in CT.   I love this hike in the woods and it was a much greater challenge this time of year.    The rocky trails were covered in leaves.   I took a hiking pole to feel out the rocks and holes but I was slower than usual.    One should never take a picture wearing a waist pack and expect to look svelte.   

Murphy has to seek out all the waters.  

Because of Jon's seniority and our choice of flights, we managed to fly in Business/First Class both ways.   It makes a big difference on these long long flights but they do serve way too much food.  

After landing in NY, we debated about going back to Jon's for a few days but decided to keep going.    The next flight to Denver was full but we got on (middle seats )..... then we sat and sat as our flight to Montrose  was delayed due to snow.    Finally we got home close to midnight....a long long long day but we slept well.   We woke to this pretty picture.

It's good to be home with so many memories.   And now it's back to learning.   I finished Abby and was mostly pleased.   I met her on my usual morning walk and took several pics and told her dad that I might practice drawing her.    I gave them the picture and they were thrilled and surprised.    Next up is a friend's old dog but I'm doing it from a younger picture.   They don't know about it and I got the picture from their occasional dog sitter.    It's going well.   

 "It's so weird ..... being the same age as old people."