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 publication

Theo had kept 800+ letters from Vincent 

After lunch, walked over to the Museum House of Rembrandt (1606-1669)

He went bankrupt, which meant a complete inventory of assets was made

Very helpful in creating this museum

We visited 15 years ago

Displays and explanations have improved

2019 is the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt's death

Rijksmuseum is analyzing Night Watch for restoration

The painting (huge) is on public display 

in the grand gallery in a sealed glass case

Crossing a street in Amsterdam:

(bike lane, tram lane, 2 car lanes,  tram lane, bike lane, then sidewalk)

Bikes of all styles and purpose populate the city

These beauties are new - $669/$700

Tomorrow, we leave for home

Another good trip ends with this final blog entry

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