Amsterdam: Windmills

After a wet overnight cruise from Cologne, today is our first day in Amsterdam. We'll still be living on the boat until tomorrow morning. That means that we are docked in the heart of Amsterdam just behind the Central Station along with many other river boats.

This morning Colin went to the Rijksmuseum on a short excursion. The building is now very light with an entry atrium courtyard. The viewing of the works of art is now also in lighter displays passages. He was impressed with how much work has been done on the building to make it more appealing compared with the dark and dingy building that we both remember.

We have been to Amsterdam some 3 times and had yet to see a windmill so this afternoon it was a short 30 minute ride to the countryside to Zaanse Schans, a recreated piece of countryside displaying the best of Dutch life, especially windmills. A bit like Sovereign Hill is to us for gold mining.

There we had demonstrations of grinding wheat, cheese production and clog making. It was all very interesting and VERY touristy, but it was an easy way to get to know our Dutch friends a little more.

And a chance for some cheesy tourist photos of our own.

(You might also notice that there are marks on the images as the camera has begun playing up. A new camera has since been purchased but not used as yet).

Yes - I did promise cheesy tourist photos, didn't I ...

Tomorrow: A Canal Cruise