We went through customs (no one there) and bought train tickets from the airport to Central Station in Amsterdam - about 10 euros. I had thought the train trip was over 30 minutes but we arrived in about 15 minutes. Still dark outside.
The Renaissance Hotel is only about 3 blocks from the Central Station so we walked there. We checked in but the hotel was full so our room wasn't ready. They allowed us to use the concierge lounge while we waited so we went for coffee, juice and breakfast. We checked email and then decided to take a walk around the city instead of just sitting. It was very cloudy but comfortable. We left our bags with the concierge and headed out to explore Amsterdam a bit.
We walked toward the Royal Palace where the Royal family stays when they are in Amsterdam. They spend most of their time in The Haig. We saw lots of canals, and walked close to the "red light district" but we'll come back here as "the girls" are most likely finished for the night.
The Royal Palace where the King stays when he is in Amsterdam
The National Monument in the large plaza outside of the Royal Palace
We walked about 2 hours and then headed back to the Renaissance about 10:30. I checked with the "Elite Check-In" desk and showed them my platinum card and we got our room.We went up and unpacked and took a short nap - well, mine was a 2 hour nap! I was so tired with little sleep last night. About 1 we took showers, dressed and then headed out again to walk through Amsterdam. We went by the Anne Frank house where there was a huge line. Then to Westerkirk, the Calvinist Protestant Church next to the Anne Frank house.
The many canals of Amsterdam - so beautiful!
Tim had some "fries" from a street vendor. We stopped at the Homomonument which was erected for the remembrance of all of the discrimination against gay and lesbians. Tim had to take my picture and post it to FaceBook - he wanted to put the caption "Big, old homo by the Homomonument" but I told him that was NOT appropriate!!!! We laughed.
The Homomonument - dedicated to the suppression in the past of gay and lesbians
We headed back to the hotel and changed for dinner. Reservations tonight are early since we want to get to bed early. We went to Long Pura, an Indonesian restaurant that the concierge recommended. We had the rijstaffel or rice table that had rice and lots of small dishes with many different kinds of meats and sauces. It was great.
We walked home about 9:30 and were in bed by 10:15 - and then right to sleep. We were tired. We closed the black out shades and are expecting to sleep late tomorrow. A fun first day in Amsterdam.
No comments:
Post a Comment