Since Barb hadn't seen much of Amsterdam on the first day, we decided to catch a tram back into town in the morning and speed through a combination jog-eat-and-become-cultured tour before flying back to Heathrow. First up was a quick trip through the Rijkmuseum to view the Rembrandt collection. Although pressed for time, we couldn't help staying for longer than planned - the paintings are so impressive, it wasn't something we could rush too much. I think I'd be happy to come back to Amsterdam just to see this again - really amazing.
Next was a waffle to go, off to the Van Gogh gallery and some more gazing at famous art (again, quite surreal looking at pictures we've only seen in art history books) and the 'Dutch Super Speed' tour was nearly finished. After a quick bit of window shopping, it was back onto the tram to get home in time for driving out to the airport. Yes, more time in an airport - we've seen a lot of gates and terminals so far but it's worth it (Amsterdam has been absolutely brilliant and we've got Paris, Rome and Venice to go yet). We've been pretty lucky also - no security problems or getting on the wrong plane so far (fingers crossed for the rest of the trip).
Anyway, after getting back to Heathrow we caught a connecting flight to Durham to meet up with Gaynor, Harry, Zac and Riley. Once settled in, we then sampled some of the local brewing (gin, vodka and five bottels of wine to be more accurate). Needless to say, this next morning was a little quiet. To aid recovery, we hopped on the train and took a trip to York. York is a very old walled town with amazing history dating back to William the Conqueror and a fabulous cathedral. Of course, with Gaynor as a tour guide we got a bit of shopping in as well and Barb managed to find a very swanky pair of shoes to bring home and show off.
Tomorrow we'll probably stick a little closer to home with a wander around Darlington and we're having a barbie tomorrow night with some friends of Gaynor and Harry coming over - we'll have to restock the wine rack first of course. We are hoping for good weather at the weekend for a trip to the English seaside so that I can roll my trousers up and put a knotted hankie on my head in traditional local garb.
Thanks for those of you who have posted comments, it's great to hear from you.
Next was a waffle to go, off to the Van Gogh gallery and some more gazing at famous art (again, quite surreal looking at pictures we've only seen in art history books) and the 'Dutch Super Speed' tour was nearly finished. After a quick bit of window shopping, it was back onto the tram to get home in time for driving out to the airport. Yes, more time in an airport - we've seen a lot of gates and terminals so far but it's worth it (Amsterdam has been absolutely brilliant and we've got Paris, Rome and Venice to go yet). We've been pretty lucky also - no security problems or getting on the wrong plane so far (fingers crossed for the rest of the trip).
Anyway, after getting back to Heathrow we caught a connecting flight to Durham to meet up with Gaynor, Harry, Zac and Riley. Once settled in, we then sampled some of the local brewing (gin, vodka and five bottels of wine to be more accurate). Needless to say, this next morning was a little quiet. To aid recovery, we hopped on the train and took a trip to York. York is a very old walled town with amazing history dating back to William the Conqueror and a fabulous cathedral. Of course, with Gaynor as a tour guide we got a bit of shopping in as well and Barb managed to find a very swanky pair of shoes to bring home and show off.
Tomorrow we'll probably stick a little closer to home with a wander around Darlington and we're having a barbie tomorrow night with some friends of Gaynor and Harry coming over - we'll have to restock the wine rack first of course. We are hoping for good weather at the weekend for a trip to the English seaside so that I can roll my trousers up and put a knotted hankie on my head in traditional local garb.
Thanks for those of you who have posted comments, it's great to hear from you.
1 comment:
Hi, just awesome to see your comments - love the Butchers plaque and shops, wot no Bands yet? - Everyones thoughts were with you last Saturday when they gathered for the NZ Win - cheers
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