Amsterdam Musings

So, this week's excuse for no Monday story?

I was in Amsterdam with my husband, the Amazing Terry.

We took an afternoon plane from Leeds Bradford across to Schipol where we'd booked an airport hotel - the trip was to visit relatives in a small town called Huizen as well as to explore Amsterdam itself and so the airport, with its exceptionally efficient rail services, was the ideal choice - hotel prices there were much more affordable than 'Dam itself.

This is our hotel:

http://www.citizenm.com/destinations/amsterdam/schiphol-airport-hotel

The room itself is compact, but when all you want is somewhere to sleep and shower, it's fine.  Plenty of space on the ground floor for living; sofas and computers, Tv and books, restaurant and bar, all in a crisp modern style and with helpful staff.

Rooms are controlled by a 'mood-pad', there is a TV with free films (yes, including *those* films but you can easily block them) - we watched Back to the Future.  There is mood lighting over the shower and WC and an opaque screen and a curtain ensures privacy if you're a sharing couple.

Yes.  The bed is four pillows wide, and that's how wide your room is also.  Wheelchair users, please note.  Corridors are narrow, too, although turning out of the lift should be okay with a wheelie - as long as there are no cleaning trollies in the way...

Odd numbered rooms look away from the airport, so if you stay, ask for an even numbered room high up to planespot.  No aircraft noise, by the way - rooms are soundproofed and even noises from the neighbours was minimal.

The day of our arrival we went to see Terry's sister-in-law, Dot, a lovely lady who always makes you feel welcome.

Dot is in the white jacket; her daughter Angie is on the other side. Not a flattering photo of me, but never mind.

Monday took us to Amsterdam where we explored Jordan and found a lovely street market - S, I found a lovely little haberdashery stall... eventually we found our way to the Annfrankhuis - the queues were ridiculous!

By the time we got to the Van Gogh Museum, we needed lunch first, so went to the cafe at the Concert Gebouw

http://www.concertgebouw.nl/en

and then felt ready for some paintings.  Now, I'm not at all precious about Art.  Van Gogh is about as heavy as it gets for me, and I can never look at that painting of the wobbly church (you know the one) without trying to spot the grefeyuss in the corner...

Tempted by some gorgeous t-shirts in the Museum shop but way too expensive!

From the museum, with aching knees and hips and feet, we got a tram back to Central Station where I spotted a Leonidas shop.  Now, having been asked by a friend to look out for this shop, I was delighted - but the train was due so made a mental note to call there on the morrow when we returned to do the Bloemenmarkt and Waterlooplein's flea market...

And that is a whole new tale in itself...