We have always had a vague idea of having 'whomever, whenever' join us when we travel. This trip, we will have lots of company.
Flying from Zurich to Amsterdam we talked about how great it was that this was finally taking shape....this open door, c'mon over invitation. Then we realized it has been happening for awhile.
On previous visits we have been lucky enough to have Sean, Ryan, Frank & Jill & Brian & Jessie visit us - so much fun.
Even our visit from Frank & Jill where anything that could go wrong, probably did was a fun trip. Lots of good memories. And they aren't afraid to come back!
Teena had been so busy finishing school & starting her career that she had not been able to visit. That all changed last Saturday with her arrival. Sean will join us tomorrow as will Frank, Jill & we hope Whitney.
For now, as I told Teena, she's the only child and it is all about her. She came prepared with her list, well rested from the flight & although she is fighting a cold, she is seeing the sites & having a little fun too!
From the airport, we took the train to Central Station. It was a beautiful evening with no rain for the walk to our apartment. We got to visit, have dinner & marvel at how wide awake she seemed after her 16 hour adventure.
Sunday we cooked breakfast & with umbrellas in hand we headed out.
By the time we got to our first stop, Magna Plaza the rain had started. We wandered inside for a few minutes to see the former post office, now shopping center. Not much shopping we were interested in, just wanted her to see architecture of the building.
Across the street to the Dam Sqaure where we spent some time at the Nieuwekerk. There are rennovations going on & we were able to wander around, climbing up onto the temporary raised deck to view everything from above. A quick stop in Bijenkorf, a local department store & listening to some street musicians concluded our visit to the Dam Square.
We wandered down busy Kalverstraat, over to the Beginhof & down Spui Straat. On Sunday there is an art market on Spui. Nothing caught our eyes so over to the Floating Flower Market & The Munt Tower. There were times we walked in rain, times we had to step under an awning but all in all we made good progress. Heading back, we stopped to have a snack at Sara's.
As we made our way to the market, the skies opened up. I guess we were fortunate it held off as long as it did.
Sunday night we had dinner with Allen from upstairs. He finally got to meet Teena after hearing so much about her.
Monday with the sun shining but rain threatening, we were off to wander through the textile market. It is held every Monday for about half a day, around the corner from us. There are fabrics of all kinds as well as anything else you could imagine. Cosmetics, purses, clothing, rugs, shoes.....anything you can imagine & more. A couple of loempia, a Christmas gift, a hat & some orange juice were our only purchases.
Next up, a little culture & a visit to the Van Gogh museum. Bob walked us in the direction of the Leidseplein. He headed back to the apartment to take care of bills & other paperwork.
We found the museumplein without too much difficulty with a stop for a snack of vlaamse frites on the way. I knew we could do it but having never ventured that direction on my own, I did carry written directions.
The museum was not too crowded. We were able to find & admire Van Gogh's Sunflowers but sadly Cafe at Night & Starry Night did not seem to be in their collection. After a stop at the cafe for coffee, a visit to the museum gift shop & some obligatory purchases, we were off again.
Teena declared herself 'museumed out' for the time being so we passed up a visit to the Rikjsmuseum. Stops at the large museum gift store, H & M, the Delft store, a few 'junkaterias' and we were back in our neighborhood picking up ingredients for dinner. The only rain for the day was while we were in the museum....Teena is obviously a little bit of sunshine!
Tuesday morning we headed to Edam, a charming town about a 20 minute bus ride from the Central Station. It's hard to believe this quiet village is so close to the hustle & bustle that is Amsterdam. We walked through the town & admired the canals & beautiful gardens before heading to La Fortuna for lunch. Luck was with us & the rain stayed away, sprinkling just a bit while we ate.
We got back to the Central Station around 5:30 - a good time we have found to avoid the lines & walk right in to the Anne Frank house. With directions in hand, Teena headed off to visit the house. Bob & I stopped at the market for bread, cheese & wine.
Bruce and later Allen came by to visit & catch up. Teena joined us, after visiting Anne Frank House & the Westerkerk.
This morning the checklist included the canal boat ride. Having done it many times before, Bob & I have vowed to never return to it. We gladly walked her to the boat, took her picture & met her upon her return. We took a walk through Vondelpark while Teena floated. A stop for lunch & Teena & I headed to the Rijksmuseum. Currently under rennovation, The Night Watch is on display, as well as other famous Dutch works of art. We spent a few hours wandering through the rooms. A walk through Vondelpark, a stop at the market & we are in for the night. Teena's time as an 'only child' is quickly coming to an end. Frank, Jill & Whitney arrive early tomorrow morning. Sean will be here tomorrow afternoon.
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