Day 3 - Last full day in Amsterdam. We decided to have a bit more relaxing day today, at least we thought so. We left our BnB around 10am and started wandering around for Dutch pancakes. Apparently so had everyone else. We walked, and walked, and walked. I just can't get over all the beautiful flowers in the city. My grandfather used to grow Hollyhocks in his garden. They were tall and beautiful, but took a good amount of care. I have tried to grow them for years and have been unsuccessful. Here, they grow like weeds in sidewalk cracks.
We finally found a spot with pancakes, but they were American style. It had to do because we wanted to get on with our day. We then hopped an Uber to the Centraal Station with plans to catch the train to northern Amsterdam. On arrival, we were greeted with a parking garage for bikes and Austin's new goal for the day, to go to the top of A'dam Lookout and ride the swing at the top which goes over the edge.
We took the free ferry across the river and he got to ride the swing, twice. I wasn't about to go on that thing. The place was full of tourists of course, but it was a fun way to get a different look at the city.
By then, the day was starting to get away from us. So under the idea that time on vacation is sometimes more valuable than money, we caught an Uber out to Zaanse Schans, which was about 30 euro. I can best describe it as Dutch windmill Disneyland. It was touristy, crowded, and absolutely beautiful! The area is free to roam, but there are places that will charge a fee all around, like to tour inside a windmill or buy cheese. We just took it easy and enjoyed the incredible landscapes and all the animals. We found the cows that our cheese we purchased came from. Austin found a swan for a photo, which bit him immediately after the photo was taken. It probably knew he was a cat person.
After several hours, we caught another Uber back to town. Here is a little tip on Ubers. If you search it and the price is higher than you expected, wait a few minutes and try again. We found the return fare would change as much as 15 euro when you would search. Once back in Amsterdam, we headed to Museumplein area because we had Van Gogh Museum tickets later in the evening. We found out that all people in Amsterdam get off work by 3pm on a Friday and head to the local cafe for a few drinks with friends. We joined in on this and found a cafe in the shadow of the Rijksmuseum on the side a canal. We had more bitterballen and finally found our Dutch pancake we had been looking for, traditionally made with cheese and bacon. It was very different from the American pancake and so delicious! We hung out in our spot for about 2 hours just listening to all the different languages, music from a nearby street performer, and enjoying the beauty of the area.
We then started exploring the gardens and parks around the museums. We found a maze garden outside the Rijksmuseum with hedges, flowers, huge old trees, and lots of fountains. They had lounge chairs and we caught a little sun. By this point in the day, three days of walking and walking and walking were catching up to my feet and Converse shoes. I was starting to rethink my packing choices. I am curious if the wooden clogs of Holland would have been any better. Maybe I should have checked out that little shop up north. At 6:30, we had tickets to the Van Gogh Museum. I was glad I had purchased early because there were many disappointed people outside. The museum was four levels of incredible art by Van Gogh and those who inspired him. We made sure to spend time with The Potato Eaters for my Aunt Terri. I know we both left with even more tired feet and a much better appreciation for Van Gogh's gift of working with colors and the science behind his art.
We had great plans to wander the city and soak up the last bits of Dutch culture, but by 9pm, we were both exhausted. We called it a night and ascended our crazy staircase one last time. In the morning, we board our ship in Amsterdam and leave for our next destination. Amsterdam, I will be back. As Austin keeps saying, I could see myself living here.
We finally found a spot with pancakes, but they were American style. It had to do because we wanted to get on with our day. We then hopped an Uber to the Centraal Station with plans to catch the train to northern Amsterdam. On arrival, we were greeted with a parking garage for bikes and Austin's new goal for the day, to go to the top of A'dam Lookout and ride the swing at the top which goes over the edge.
We took the free ferry across the river and he got to ride the swing, twice. I wasn't about to go on that thing. The place was full of tourists of course, but it was a fun way to get a different look at the city.
By then, the day was starting to get away from us. So under the idea that time on vacation is sometimes more valuable than money, we caught an Uber out to Zaanse Schans, which was about 30 euro. I can best describe it as Dutch windmill Disneyland. It was touristy, crowded, and absolutely beautiful! The area is free to roam, but there are places that will charge a fee all around, like to tour inside a windmill or buy cheese. We just took it easy and enjoyed the incredible landscapes and all the animals. We found the cows that our cheese we purchased came from. Austin found a swan for a photo, which bit him immediately after the photo was taken. It probably knew he was a cat person.
After several hours, we caught another Uber back to town. Here is a little tip on Ubers. If you search it and the price is higher than you expected, wait a few minutes and try again. We found the return fare would change as much as 15 euro when you would search. Once back in Amsterdam, we headed to Museumplein area because we had Van Gogh Museum tickets later in the evening. We found out that all people in Amsterdam get off work by 3pm on a Friday and head to the local cafe for a few drinks with friends. We joined in on this and found a cafe in the shadow of the Rijksmuseum on the side a canal. We had more bitterballen and finally found our Dutch pancake we had been looking for, traditionally made with cheese and bacon. It was very different from the American pancake and so delicious! We hung out in our spot for about 2 hours just listening to all the different languages, music from a nearby street performer, and enjoying the beauty of the area. 
We then started exploring the gardens and parks around the museums. We found a maze garden outside the Rijksmuseum with hedges, flowers, huge old trees, and lots of fountains. They had lounge chairs and we caught a little sun. By this point in the day, three days of walking and walking and walking were catching up to my feet and Converse shoes. I was starting to rethink my packing choices. I am curious if the wooden clogs of Holland would have been any better. Maybe I should have checked out that little shop up north. At 6:30, we had tickets to the Van Gogh Museum. I was glad I had purchased early because there were many disappointed people outside. The museum was four levels of incredible art by Van Gogh and those who inspired him. We made sure to spend time with The Potato Eaters for my Aunt Terri. I know we both left with even more tired feet and a much better appreciation for Van Gogh's gift of working with colors and the science behind his art.
We had great plans to wander the city and soak up the last bits of Dutch culture, but by 9pm, we were both exhausted. We called it a night and ascended our crazy staircase one last time. In the morning, we board our ship in Amsterdam and leave for our next destination. Amsterdam, I will be back. As Austin keeps saying, I could see myself living here.
You two are really packing in the sights! That is so wonderful ... and your blog is great! Wayne and I spent some time in Zaanse Schans which we enjoyed very much! We were not as fortunate with pretty weather as y’all were though ... had some clouds and rain, but it is still a lovely place regardless of the weather. So glad you had a nice visit there! (I commented elsewhere on your blog, and since then have figured out how to show my name. ��)
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