Around 11 a.m., we took the tram to Muntplein to see the Munttoren (Mint Tower). Correction, we have seen the Munttoren tons of times, but this time, we stopped for a photo. In 1487, the tower's base was part of the Reguliers Gate in the city wall. In 1620, it was topped with an ornate, lead-covered tower with carillon bells. The tower got its present name in 1672, when it housed the city mint. Nearby was an "Elephant on Parade" - one of 100 full size art elephants on the streets of Amsterdam these days. During the months of September and October, these elephants will be shown to raise attention and money for the Asian elephant that is threatened with extinction. Greg and I loved this one below, with an old Amsterdam map painted on. Ben loved calling him "Lumpy", the elephant from Winnie the Pooh, and kept screaming that he wanted to touch Lumpy. I can only imagine how amused and confused fellow by-standers were...
From the Munttoren, we walked to Rembrandtplein. (Formerly called the Botermarkt, because the butter market was held here until the mid 19th century. Renamed when statue of Rembrandt was erected in 1876.) We have visited this square many, many times since we've lived in Amsterdam. There are great street artists that sell their work here, as well as cafes and restaurants lining the square. Well, wouldn't you know that the day we intentionally bring the camera for photos would be the day that we discover the entire square has been dug up and fenced off? Seriously??!! But, I love that Amsterdam-ers will lock their bikes onto anything...see fence.
Kept on walking to Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge). This bridge crosses the Amstel at Waterlooplein (with Opera House in the background) and actually looks gray - except for the blue lanterns that were recently restored. The present bridge is made of stone and was built in preparation for the World Exhibition in 1883.
A short walk down the Amstel River is the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Of Amsterdam's 1,400 or so bridges, this bridge is the city's most well-known. The original drawbridge was constructed in 1670; the present one was put up in 1969. Legend says that the bridge was built to make it easier for the two wealthy Mager sisters, who lived on opposite banks of the river, to visit each other.
We stopped to enjoy our lunch on a bench near the Amstel, and then hoped for our little guy to nap so we could visit the Rembrandt House Museum. So, at 12:30 p.m., we walked past the Opera House, through Waterlooplein to Museum Het Rembrandthuis. Ben was not the least bit sleepy at this point, so we decided to keep on walking and seeing. Passed by the Zuiderkerk (South Church), the city's first Protestant Church, designed by Hendrick de Keyser and built between 1603 and 1614. In recent years, it has succumbed to a shortage of worshippers and today houses a permanent exhibit on modern urban planning. We peeked inside - for a photo op and for a potty break. :)
Killed some time in the Waag square and saw this marching band playing tunes. Normally in the States, marching bands have funny hats. But, in the Netherlands, apparently they have funny shoes instead. :) Check out those clogs! Needless to say, the great tunes were not putting Ben to sleep, so we kept on...
...to Sint Nicolaaskerk (St. Nicholas's Church) near Central Station. We had stopped here for a visit once before, but it was not open at that time. Today, we were in luck and Greg and I took turns appreciating this 1887 Catholic church. It was originally the harbor church - primarily for seamen, as St. Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers. The church was a bit dark on the inside, but has recently been brightened by the replacement of stained-glass windows in the dome. I actually thought it was quite beautiful with all the dark wood, windows, and wall paintings.
beautiful cabinet
On the way home, we thought we'd stop at a cafe and enjoy a coffee to top off this fabulous day. No joke, every single cafe that we walked past was packed! Apparently, everyone had the same idea to sit outside and enjoy this autumn day. So, we ended up walking towards home, stopped off at Winkel for some appelgebak-to-go, and then ate dinner, ate pie, and fell into bed!
...to Sint Nicolaaskerk (St. Nicholas's Church) near Central Station. We had stopped here for a visit once before, but it was not open at that time. Today, we were in luck and Greg and I took turns appreciating this 1887 Catholic church. It was originally the harbor church - primarily for seamen, as St. Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers. The church was a bit dark on the inside, but has recently been brightened by the replacement of stained-glass windows in the dome. I actually thought it was quite beautiful with all the dark wood, windows, and wall paintings.
Ben seemed to be fading a bit by now, so we made our way back to the Rembrandt House Museum. He fell asleep on the way, around 1:45 p.m. - yay! Rembrandt van Rijn bought this house in 1639 when he was Amsterdam's most fashionable portrait painter. He lived in the ground-floor rooms with his wife, Saskia, who died here in 1642, leaving the artist with a baby son, Titus. Many of Rembrandt's most famous paintings were created in the first floor studio, and he had a room with a printing press for etchings and drawings. He worked and taught in this house until 1658, when due to his extravagant lifestyle, the artist was bankrupt and moved to a plain house on Rozengracht, where he lived until his death in 1669. The rooms have been furnished with 17th century objects and furniture that, as closely as possible, match the descriptions in Rembrandt's petition for bankruptcy. Greg and I really enjoyed our visit here. The home and all of it's pieces were amazing, and it was interesting to learn more about the life of this famous Dutch artist. Most interesting was his collection room; he collected seashells, exotic weapons, and busts of Roman emperors - just to name a few. And, his art books were his most prized possession. He kept over 8,000 drawings and prints by famous artists in these albums. Wow!
kitchen
beautiful cabinet
elegant room where Rembrandt entertained clients who would look at his art displayed on the walls
studio with printing press and some of his famous etchings/drawings
collection room
studio, largest room in the house
On Sunday the 27th, it was another 'clear blue sky' day. Church in the morning, quick nap, and then off to Amelie's 2nd birthday party at McDonald's near Rembrandtplein. (Quite a Rembrandt weekend, huh?) Snapped some photos of Central Station while we waited for our tram to head to the party.
And, who knew how spectacular the view from the McDonald's party room was? Here is the Munttoren and the Bloemenmarkt (flower market) on the Singel canal. And of course, here is the beautiful birthday girl, Amelie, and a rare photo of Ben sitting still even though not strapped in. I think he made it through 1 chicken nugget and 3 french fries before deciding that it was way more fun to chase balloons than to eat. At what age do we "get old" and decide that eating and sleeping are more fun than chasing balloons?
We wrapped up this weekend with our little fish floating in the tub. It was pretty funny. He was very serious at first; I think he was getting used to how it felt to have the water in his ears. Then, he couldn't stop laughing!! Love this kid!!
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