February 16, 2009

TIA, This is Amsterdam

Sunday night we landed in Amsterdam after a quick 45 minute flight from London. checked into the ITC Hostel, and called it a night. (for fellow travelers ITC was fine, but not the best)

Monday morning we headed to the Van Gogh Museum in the rain and were able to catch a special exhibit of his works from around the world.  Steve was  impressed to learn that his well known style wasn't established until the last two years of his life, and so easily could have never happened!  We saw Starry Night (usually at the MOMA), and one of his sunflower works, among many other impressive pieces.



After the museum we grabbed lunch (Max Cafe--great place), and took a canal cruise around the city.  It wasn't the best tour, but we were able to see some great homes, a LOT of bicycles, and plenty of water.  One interesting, and a little bit gross detail, is that the house boats release their waste into the canals which are flushed out weekly! Eww!



Next we met up with our hosts, Dale and Dior at their new home on Kerkstraat before having a great dinner of ribs at Castell.  Again, the diet is beginning in Asia.

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