The Rijksmuseum

 Last time we visited Amsterdam, we missed out on the opportunity to see the Rijksmuseum. Today, we got our chance. Like all the major art galleries and museums, it isn't possible to see it all in one day. We focused on the 1600s - the Rembrandts and Vermeers primarily. Absolutely brilliant. The museum is in the process of restoring The Night Watch, Rembrandt's biggest painting. It is still on display but they explain the restoration process. It was really interesting.

Like lots of other people, I was looking for The Girl with a  Pearl Earring, but it turns out that it is housed in an art gallery in The Hague. Apparently, it is so fragile now they only bring it out on display every 5 years or so.

This afternoon, Ian needed some rest so I headed out alone to visit the Huis Willet-Holthuysen. It was the home of Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen back in the late 19th century. The city council of Amsterdam now owns it and maintains it as an example of wealthy 19th century living in Amsterdam.

On my walk to Huis Willet-Holthuysen, I noticed some gold plaques in the pavement. I realised they are plaques recognising people who lived in Herengracht but were killed in concentration camps in WW2. See the photos below for an example. It is a good reminder that although we live in the modern world, the major events of the past are really close by.

We ended the day having a drink and dinner at Black and Blue. It was a classic Amsterdam eating place. We sat outside facing the canal watching the crowd (and chatting with a few of them) and had a lovely, lovely evening.