So The Barstow’s had a 7 hour delay in Iceland and then bags were lost…. we cancelled Indonesian dinner to wait for them and had dinner at the hotel.
Soup salad and steak tartar. Lovely and we stayed dry!
This photo is for Beth and Chuck.
This is our hotel bar with 4000 first, signed editions. It seems the hotel is owned by a Dutch publisher. I felt like I was at Chex Christiansen! Needless to say, a bit of Genever and some lively conversations arose with the guests of the “Algonquin” of Amsterdam.
We visited the Maritime Museum, which is a great structure built in 1657 as a munitions storage.
The Royal barge was pretty cool along with 600 years of sea going history. The 25 minute film was a bust — there’s a reason there are no famous Dutch films.
Of course, Brad found a vintage car showroom. Very rare Jaguar caught his eye.
Then there was a demonstration of printmaking from copper plates and a print press styled after a 16th century press.
Had to have chips with mayo. Brad is now too cold and too wet.
We squeaked one more Museum in — the Museum of Amsterdam. This whole city was built in about 1600 just as you see it today. It’s so beautiful — even in the rain.
And, they know how to take care of old ladies — here’s the Beguinage where older women can still live for free. Retirement in Amsterdam anyone?
The restaurant was a boutique Italian place with a real farm to table vibe.
But before dinner we stopped at the hotel bar and were wowed by Jelmer, a bartender worthy of the Savoy.
Chaz and Brad kept pace with their respective cocktails and we met a local rum distiller who let us taste his wares. Interesting gentlemen and cocktails.
After dinner Chaz and I headed to a Coffee Shop while Brad went back to the bar. Let me just say that I haven’t heard Steely Dan sound like that since 1982.
We headed to the Hermitage Amsterdam for a fabulous tour of this special exhibit. What was even more fascinating, is that this huge, well constructed building was built in 1690 for poor old women. It was used for that purpose until just 50 years ago when it became a museum.
The Willet Holthuyssen House. A beautiful home that was left to the city in 1890. The garden was great!
And what Trip of ours would be complete with out some feline fancy.
Just an interesting collection of feline paraphernalia along with some cute cats. Yes, I sat and cuddled them.
Chazy got a second wind when the weather dramatically improved and we approached Nine Streets, the shopping area.
The people are friendly, open and BEAUTIFUL. Look at this great gaggle of girls we caught on the street 
As a friend once said, “I love blondes, no matter what their hair color is”.
We’re staying at a cool hotel, thanks to Cathy and Phil Angellis. Staff is fab, and we all feel about 10 years younger.
We took a magnificent dinner cruise on a 100 year old boat. Candles, fabulous food and the sun setting on a tour around the canals. Perfect night for all of us.
Front desk, concierge, bellmen, all exquisitely trained and eternally delightful.
We are on the train to Amsterdam, lounging in a red velvet banquet eating quiche. Oh, the life!
Started the day with chocolate spread and croissant.
We braved the winds and showers to see beautiful Ghent and Bruges. Chazy was a sport and walked through most of Ghent, and as usual, impressed the tour guide with her art interpretations. Shown up by my big sister again :).
The church in Ghent dates from 970, and is still in beautiful shape. Many pictures of gorgeous art work, statuary and stained glass — my camera doesn’t do them justice, so I’ll spare you.
However, the shopping was tremendously interesting.
We let Chaz hang at La Pain Quotidian (a Belgian company, by the way) while we toured around. Behind us was the original fish market at the right with Poseidon, as we stand at the monument to the patron of Ghent.
Biggest decision of the day — lunch and which beer?
Windmills and sheep on the way home. Like a painting.
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We went across town to see a large car museum, Autoworld, which is the collection of one man in the most beautiful 19th century glass and metal building. The cars were unique European vehicles that we’ve never seen before.
Flanking Autoworld are a few museums and Brussels’ Arch de Triomphe and gorgeous parks.
We watched a cricket game, saw rows of espaliered trees ringing the parks, and just enjoyed the day. Chazy got in safely, took a nap and joined us for dinner at a little bistro.
Escargot, rabbit, ham knuckle with endive salad and a wonderful pinot noir. Life is good!
James And Bethany Dorau, we’re channeling you!
So we had a delightful and very quick flight to Amsterdam. Not a lot of sleep, but a great documentary and a surprisingly good dinner.
The room should be ready shortly, we’re relaxing over the papers, a little nap, a little chocolate, and we’ll do a bit of sightseeing. Stay tuned.
Civilized Cross Many Countries 