Susan's Stories

We figured out how to use the B&B shower without creating a pool in the sink and counter area which is next to the shower. Our frequent experience has been that showers have glass sides and NO door. Bath mats have been soaked, even placed a few feet away from the shower entrance. Breakfast of a variety of Brötchen and croissants, sweet pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses, and juice and latte was satisfying.  We finished packing, and carefully carried our luggage down the narrow and winding stairs. We left our luggage and went walking to the Grand Place. On our way we stopped and the coffee shop which we visited our first morning, having missed the B&B breakfast. A lovely small cup-like vase was filled with small pieces of dark chocolate.  Premilla put them into a glass which was filled with hot milk. Them she stirred to melt and mix the chocolate pieces with milk. She beyond loved it. We then walked to the main square, Grand Place, watched the continuing building of bleache...

We had breakfast with an American couple from Salt Lake City. It was a friendly conversation.  They left with large backpacks to take the train to Amsterdam and visit the Rijksmuseum. We were asked to pay our bill in cash, for our US VISA card was accepted on the host's machine. Figuring out how to accomplish that took time, and we question the story about our VISA cards.  We walked to the central train station to purchase our bus tickets to two Fine Arts museums. Passing through the Grand Place we saw bleachers beginning to be set up as and wondered what event was coming there soon.  The Museum of Fine Arts held paintings of Bruegel and Rubens and their friends. Scenes from mythology and religion and Saints, and wealthy tradesmen and their families, still life, and scenes from everyday peasant life as well as sculptures with classic depictions were displayed in a large brick structure with a high vaulted ceiling which let in lots of light.  The End of the Century Mu...

We met our host - briefly. He had breakfast place settings with breads and cheeses, and jams set on the table.  Coffees and teas and cereals, and fruit were also available.  He said a few words and then disappeared into the basement.  We walked to Central (main train) station, and watched police on horses parade around the Grand Place, the main square. They were apparently being filmed. At the near by Central train station we found couple of very helpful people and purchased public transport tickets for the day and found the bus stop to take us to Luxembourg Square where the European Union complex of buildings is located.  We hadn't read completely that we needed to show a picture ID. Premilla couldn't find anything acceptable. We left and located a couple other museums we wanted to visit. But we learned that although it is Monday and most museums are closed the European Parliament buildings are open, but they open later.  After talking about what to do next it ...

We slept late and missed breakfast.  It was 11AM when we walked toward the major site, the Grand Place, i.e. main historic square.  As our B & B is located in the area called St. Catherine's we stopped to see St. Catherine's church. We came in during the mass and sat down and participated as much as we could. What we observed were very little noise, about six of them, carrying out acolyting duties, the priest faced the  congregation and the altar was placed in the choir and congregation, and the priest and members of the congregation gathered outside to chat and talk. It looked like a real congregation.  Now the peace was a smile or a nod to a person sitting nearby.  En route to the Grand Place we had sandwiches and hot chocolate, of course.  The Grand Place is an architectural amazement. Town Hall and guild halls were visited by us several times today.  We followed Rick Steves' guide for the area to see noteworthy sights, including chocolate store...

Saturday morning most of us gathered for our final breakfast, got extra cups of coffee and remained together talking and sharing hugs and good wishes. We checked out and left our luggage in the hotel and walked to a large park, Vondel, near the hotel. We sat and watched ducks, especially one male duck searching for food and bring it to his mate who was sitting on a nest.  If was a very happy and touching scene. We ate lunch at park outdoor restaurant enjoying watching families and friends playing and chatting.  Our lengthy departure began smoothly with a tram ride to the Centraal Station, their spelling. Our first transfer was in Rotterdam.  A few minutes after we boarded for Brussels we were told there was a problem and that we should get off the train. Puzzled we inquired and we're told there was a problem on the line and that we should travel to Brussels avoiding the problem.  So, we were told to get on a train to Utrecht. Part way there, in Gouda, we were told to...

It is nearly midnight,  and we want to be at breakfast by 8 AM tomorrow in order to give farewell hugs. Therefore today’s blog will be written tomorrow.  Gute Nacht, Susan  We walked together with Ruby to the relatively nearby Rijksmuseum to begin our tour of 17th century Dutch masterpieces. Part of the walk took us through a large park, and in this morning hour we watched many many persons riding to their jobs on their bicycles. Being alert to cyclists is part of the responsibility of pedestrians.  Our museum guide, Marianne, spent time in front of Rembrandt's The Night Watch pointing out particular details and sharing history of this and other magnificent paintings.  The Museum is very large and would take many days to visit the entire collection.  We remained on the second floor for two hours. It was a particularly special experience. Premilla and I decided to walk across a very open and green area to the neighboring Van Gogh museum and have lunch in the...

Our group took a tram to meet out tour guides to tour the Jordaan neighborhood. We took an alternative tram and walked 20 minutes due to some problem on that particular line. We had been given a three day metro pass which will cover all our local travel needs. Max, our guide, artist and architectural historian, talked about the demographic changes from lower class to upper class, how that change was reflected in the architecture, as well as a bit of natural beauty the residents of these 3 and 4 story homes bring to their front steps with plants and vines.  These homes are narrow because centuries ago owners were taxed on the amount of land their home covered.  So, they built up and put gables at the roof. Hooks hung from the gables to use to attach ropes and pull up belongings which would not fit through the narrow door. Max also showed us some monuments to gay persons including a two person urinal where the men could meet in safety. Our tour in this area of the city went too ...