Day 32, September 24

 Day 32, September 24, 2012, A long walk around Amsterdam. 6.5 miles by foot

There were some sights that we wanted to see and we had one day left.  The last two times we walked through Frederiksplein, this fountain was not working.  Today it was in full spray.

We continued heading northwest.  Amsterdam is one very old house after another.  There are features that we notice now such as the style of roof gable or the winch at the peak.  The listing buildings are always interesting.  Not only does this building list, it was also built at an angle so that when the roof winch was used, the windows would not be broken.

Being earnest tourists, we did walk through the Red Light District, but there is not much going on at 10:30 AM.  However, we did get a sense of the distrit's noteriety. So Paul was a sport and tried to fit himself into this huge klompen.

For out last lunch in the Netherlands, we decided to have Dutch pancakes.  I went with the apple-raisin and Paul chose the onion and cheese.  Of course, this breakfast/lunch meal was served in a pub.

 Then we returned to the Anne Frank House.  As you can see, the line is longer today than it was a month ago and the holiday season is over!

 However, our Warmshowers host told us that tickets can be purchased online and then you just go in the left hand door at your appointed time.  It was a visit worth the effort.  It is a rabbit warren of rooms and when you are inside, you can understand how people could stay hidden almost in plain sight.  It was a moving experience including the original diary and Shelley Winters golden Oscar.

Then we walked over to Rijksmuseum.  Although the museum is undergoing major renovations, there is an exhibition of some of the museum's famous collections.  This statue of Cupid from the 16th century is across from the Andy Warhol portrait of Queen Beatrix.

 Rembrandt's Night Watch absolutely takes your breath away.  It is an enormous work of art.  Because of its size, even a novice can see so many of the details that made Rembrandt an enduring talent.  The collection of art was impressive and we were glad that we able to see it.

I think the picture says it all and it was taken by a guy from Los Angeles.  Small world and a great place to visit.