Tuesday, October 1st
Amsterdam was configured in the 1600s with 4 concentric half-circle canals built around city center Constructed as a defensive measure and for water management Development took place from west to east (not center outward) Looking at a simple uncluttered map - It's logical until you get lost Amstel River runs through the city and into bay (4 o'clock) Our airbnb apartment is outside the grid in the Museumplein area (7 o'clock) After the Rijksmuseum opened, our hood became desirable real estate (1890s) Today we visited the Van Gogh Museum in Museumplein - 5 minute walk Tickets purchased in advance for specific time period - No photos allowed Vincent Van Gogh developed his unique style in the little yellow house (green shutters) in Arles The only postcard I wanted - 1 Euro Amazingly, it was Theo's wife who created the legacy of work we have today After Theo died, she organized Vincent's letters and paintings for exhibits, sale, and p