As You Thinketh!

Trip to Netherlands: Day 2 - Amsterdam

Got up pretty late by my usual standards. Grabbed some breakfast and headed back to the city. First stop was supposed to be the Van Gogh museum. However it was to open its doors only at 10am. Spent time at the beautiful park behing Van Gogh Museum. Walked across to Concert Gebouw where the Amsterdam orchestra usually plays.

Headed to the Diamant Museum close by as I had about 30 minutes to spare. It was worth every cent paid. Gave me an insight into the growth of Amsterdam into a major force in Diamond trade. Also understood the importance of India in cutting and polishing of diamonds.

Entered the Van Gogh museum at 10:15am. Took the audio aid so that I could hear the stories behind the paintings of Van Gogh. The paintings were stunning and left me wondering what a genius van gogh would have been. Given the fact that he died in his mid thirties the work he left behind was stupendous. I highly recommend this museum to people touring Amsterdam.

Headed back to the city centre where in a small street called 'Nes Centrum' was a restaurant called van Reijkwik. A dutch friend of mine in Netherlands had recommended the place for authentic dutch food. Boy, was the food good. Had cream of tomato soup and piping hot cheese fondue. After the delicious meal headed to yellow bike company where the scheduled 1pm bike tour would start.

Luckily for me three ladies who had also registed for the 3 hour tour backed off and that left only the guide and me on the tour. It was a remarkable experience. There are more cycles than people in Amsterdam they say. You can find young and old alike riding bicycles. We took a tour of the entire city. Stopped over at the harbour, islands, dam square, haarlem square, van gogh museum, jordaan, anne frank huis, west church, china town, red light district and vondelpark.
It was the best experience I had in Amsterdam. Strongly recommend the bike tour to tourists.

Spent the evening with a friend in Leidseplein. Caught some indonesian food at resturant Bojo. Was good. it was time to get back to London. Found my way to the Eurolines coach station and took the bus to London.

posted by Vasanth Sandilya @ 3:26 AM