Amsterdam

Decided to spend the day in Amserdam - though by the time we gt moving it was more like half a day.

Took a canal boat ride and got off near the museum quarter. Walked for a while before we came across large markets. Lots of stalls selling just about everything, the weather started closing in so we thought we would grab some lunch then head off to the Van Gogh museum. Stumbled upon a Soup Winkel (shop) so as we were freezing by that point - decided it would be a good way of warming up. I chose some carrot,coconut soup and AJ & W had some Moroccan Chicken soup. delicious and certainly warmed us up enough to continue our walk.

Afternoon spent at the Van Gogh Museum - lots of his paintings on display as well as a fascinating insight into the way he came to be an artist and develop his style.

By the time we came out the light was fading so we decided to head back to the station (about 2ks walk) Lovely seeing the Christmas lights going on as we walked along.

A day around Leiden

We decided to spend a day wandering around Leiden checking out the sights. Headed off down the road and came across the marketplace. Stalls selling all kinds of foodstuffs, fish, meat, nuts, cakes, biscuits, in fact any kind of food. Bought a few bits & pieces, then found a cafe where Andrew spied a lovely apple tart which e just had to try....mmmm very nice.

Headed back to W's place to put food items in fridge before heading out to see more of Leiden. Ended up in local windmill which has been turned into a museum. Didn't realise this would involve climbing up many flights of extremely steep stairs (7 floors) plucked up the courage to go up to 6th floor before realising what comes up must come down...and I was totally bamboozled as to how I was going to get down from there....seeings as how I am totally freaked by heights and the descent consisted of approaching a hole in the floor backwards and stepping into midair somehow hoping your foot will come in contact with a step (nothing to hold onto to steady yourself) - didn't seem possible - but the thought of staying up there forever didn't seem much of an alternative so I very bravely (so I thought) descended ever so slowly- trying to look like I was in control whilst my brain was freaking out - until I reached the ground safely.

For dinner we had booked a table at La Cloche restaurant a few streets away from W's where we had eaten last time we were here in Leiden. Freezing cold outside - but it was worth the walk. Lovely meal. Finished off the day beautifully.

A day in Haarlem followed by Pancakes for supper

After a late start to the day we headed off to Haarlem for the day. About a half hours train trip from Leiden. Lovely town - walked around to see what we could - lovely old windmll, took some photos. We visited a fascinating museum with a very eclectic mix of displays. A coin room, a fossil room, strange and amazing machinery some used for measuring sound, creating electricity all sorts of wonderful contraptions. There were rooms housing a fine collection of old oil paintings and sketches. Found a lovely little restaurant where we had burgers - yum yum

Headed back to Leiden. Dinner at K & W's then out to supper. Pancakes - the biggest you have ever seen! I had sour cherries, AJ had goats cheese with walnuts & honey, Waz had apple and Karen had raisins & sugar. Pancakes the size of a large serving platter!

Hello Netherlands

Finally arrived in Leiden, 30+ hours after leaving home - a very long but uneventful flight. Weather not as cold as I expected 5degrees celsius though later in the week we have been told, there is a possibility of snow. Met up with Karen & Warwick and set about planning the rest of our visit. Very tired - so early night.

Awoke Tuesday to find it raining - so warm rainproof clothes required today.

Time to pack........

Off to Netherlands tomorrow. Not packed yet so better get on with it. Due to fly from Sydney about 6pm transit stop in Bankok then on to London - catch flight to Amsterdam - probably arrive totally wiped out, but never mind....we're on HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!