Our latest adventure begins with a favorite city – Amsterdam, which still looks much like it did in the 1600’s. Then it was the world’s richest city, an international sea-trading port and the cradle of capitalism. The Netherlands has battled the sea for centuries, actually reclaiming low-lying lands by pumping water out or into controlled canals and creating fertile farmlands and housing areas. (And, by the way – the country is the Netherlands and a province within the country is Holland.) Amsterdam is a wonderful place to see the canals and how the city has grown around them.

Amsterdam is quite a progressive city of almost a million people – with as many bikes. The airport ONLY allows electric taxis – so there were also many Tesla’s! Traditionally, the city attracted sailors and allowed them their fun – so prostitution is allowed in the Red Light District while marijuana is openly sold and smoked.

Painters here such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer captured the atmosphere of the city on canvas many years ago, but artists are still at work here. AND E found a ‘delicious’ example – –

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is fabulous! But having been there on a prior trip, this trip took us to the Kroller Muller Museum in the Hoge Veluwe NP, which houses the second largest number of Van Gogh’s in the world. Unfortunately, it was a miserable, rainy day so the sculpture gardens were not too inviting. But, the Van Gogh’s were terrific!!

The Kroller Muller was a great choice! Next was a train ride in the other direction out of the city – off to Den Haag (The Hague) and the Mauritshuis, Noordeinde Palace (the home of the King and Queen), the Binnenhof (the Government Center) and the Peace Palace.

The museum was actually built in the 17th century as the residence of John Maurits, nephew of William of Orange. Unfortunately, he made a good bit of his money in the sugar trade, which relied on slaves. He and his wife were collectors of art and left their home with its art collection to the ‘state’ for all to see. From that – we all did benefit. The home is its own piece of art – but, what it holds is also definitely worth the trip. Especially these two favorites—

Mauritshuis sits on this beautiful ‘pond’ next to the extensive Binnenhof, where the upper and lower houses of the Netherlands’ government meet.

There is no mistaking where the King and Queen live. Just follow the crowns —

Next stop – The Peace Palace. Netherlands’ Queen Wilhelmina invited various country representatives to her palace in the late 1800’s to discuss how to prevent future wars. In 1903 Carnegie donated 1.5 million dollars (today $50 million) to build a facility to hold these meetings- thus the Peace Palace was begun. Today the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice and the Library of International Law are housed here. Unfortunately, the Palace is not open to the public but there is a very informative visitor center with audio information available.

This trip outside Amsterdam was very enlightening and well worth the time.

One more museum before leaving Amsterdam- the Foam Museum of Photography. Some very avant-garde, thought provoking exhibits. (Sorry – no pictures of these works.).

Amsterdam is a fun, progressive, very artsy city. And there is very good food and lots of little cafes. Love it.

E&G on the move🚢🚢