Amsterdam Impressions

Everything you've heard about Amsterdam is absolutely correct.  It is a magical city....so unique.......nothing else like it in the rest of Europe.

It's often referred to as "the Venice of the North" and I can see why.

Canals, quaint buildings, rich trading history, glorious art, elegant design and fashion, and its own unique cuisine.  And....those bicycles....they're everywhere!

Of course, Amsterdam flowers are out of this world.  My local Parisian fleuriste told me that for every bunch of flowers here in Paris, there are five in Amsterdam!

Pierre and I also went to Aalsmeer for the international flower auction.....incredible blooms being auctioned, despatched and transported to the rest of the world.  There'll be more on Aalsmeer in a later post.

We spent most of our time in and around the museums....Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt House and the Riksmuseum...but also found time to stroll the famous 9 Streets District.

Here are my favourite impressions of Amsterdam.

Fabulous blossoms:

These glorious cherry blossoms were just outside the Van Gogh Museum...a lovely way to enter the museum.  Vincent must have been a kind and generous man....as he painted a cherry blossom tree for his nephew.

The choice was incredible....very difficult to make a decision.

Bicycles...tourists beware!!!!!

Absolutely everyone rides a bicycle in Amsterdam....and most have at least two.

Riding through the Vondel Park........a fabulous green space near the museum quarter.

Quaint houses, streets, canals and parks:

Quaint, crooked house everywhere...but often contrasted with super modern industrial design!

Tinted street lamps add to the ambiance.

Canal boats everywhere....some of which are home sweet home for locals.

Reflections of Amsterdam in a glass box.

Busy barges on the canal.....this one carrying discarded bicycles!

Quirky shopping:

Naturally....j'adore this shop!

You can get anything in Amsterdam...even your own personalised wax seal!

If only this shop had been opened.....the vintage treasures inside were begging to come home with me.

Vintage spectacles.....but a little too 'fashion victim' for moi.

Just hangin' around the canals.

Now these chapeaux were a bargain.......Pierre was tempted.

Rembrandt House...his home, atelier and studio.

One can wander through Rembrandt's house....climb the stairs to the Master's atelier, watch etching demonstrations in his studio.....and imagine him creating his masterpieces.

Rembrandt's self portrait.

J'adore Amsterdam....it is truly wonderful....but it's still nice to be back home in Paris.   We're off to a concert tonight at Sainte Chapelle....Vivaldi's Four Seasons...can't wait.

And merci beaucoup Alex and Sharmila of the Fusion Suites http://www.fusionsuites.com/flash/fusionsuites_FINAL.html.......we loved our stay with you!

A bientôt.

You may also like my post on:

http://parisallons-y.blogspot.fr/2012/01/hallelujah.html