Books and Paintings (Sun July 8)

Sunday morning was dreary with moderately steady rain.  We had plans to attend the English-speaking service at the historic Beginjhof square but this was scratched due to weather and our logistical problems with bike transportation (see post for Saturday July 7).  We slept in instead (Mom, please recall that we went twice last week).


The boys had not eaten since 6 pm the night before and there was no food in the house so at 11AM we knew we had to venture out for something or face a mutiny.  We found a terrific cafe in the front of the Main Amsterdam Library, just across the harbor.

Logan and the Europeans share a love of Fanta.

Probably the best Latte ever made in the history of coffee.
Two bucks.  Everlie and Scott both had two.

We then spent nearly an hour exploring the Library.  We know we are nerdy, but this place was awesome.  It was the Nieman-Marcus of libraries!  It made you want to learn Dutch just so you could apply for a card.

A special exhibit devoted to Golden Books with life-size models
of some of the classic stories.

Good books deserve mood lighting.  Don't you agree?

The Children's Section

Ethan up in a "Crow's Nest" structure in the Children's Section

Plenty of places to sit and relax.

Another one of those public piano things.

Afterwards we hit the Tourist Information office for info on the public transport system, which ultimately was not as difficult as we initially had feared.  We rode the tram to the Van Gogh Museum, skipped the line with our pre-purchased ticket, and had a nice tour, again with the little audio gizmos (at €1.25, you're crazy not to get those).  

We like Van Gogh.  It's the kind of art we would have in our house (if we had an extra $12 Million or so).  It's a shame he wasn't around longer--after seeing such a large collection of his work you get a sense of what he had left to give.  

Donning the rain jackets again on our way to the Van Gogh Museum (left).

After the museum the boys spent an hour playing in the square in front of the Museum.   Meanwhile, Scott made a side trip to the nearby full-scale supermarket for supplies.

Museumplein (Museum Plaza).  The Rijksmuseum in the background
has the world's largest collection of Dutch Masters (Rembrandt et al) in
the world.  We decided we don't really like Dutch Masters, and we skipped it. 

No skateboard at the skateboard park--no problem.

Back at the Supermarket.  This translates as "Sale! Traditional Salad:  Egg, Beef, Chicken or Salmon."  Still not quite sure what it is, but at 2 for a buck it seemed worth a try.  Tasted something along the lines of a salty tuna salad, suspicious for herring.  

This is harder than it looks.  On the right is fabric softener.  On the left is actual detergent (required second trip).

Any idiot can operate a washing machine...right?!

Scott volunteered to cook the chicken fingers.  Sounded straight forward.  Operating the oven/ microwave combo thingy was not.  After 40 minutes he gave up and microwaved the barely "warm to the touch" meat.

An actual sit-down meal, at "home" with plates.  

We retreated to the roof-top deck, but it had turned cold.
July, and too cold to be outside.  Go figure.

Ethan makes a point during "Church" in the secret annex.  We'll call it "Small Group."

We have enjoyed Google Video Chat with family this trip.  Around the time we are headed to bed, it's mid-afternoon at  home.  

Tomorrow we hope to explore some of the nearby Dutch countryside, weather permitting.  We hope you are well.  Thanks for traveling along with us!