Amsterdam

We've travelled by tram a number of times. With our I Amsterdam cards we just press the card to a reader as we get on and off.  So simple.

Our first stop of the day was the Hermitage. 

The exhibition was devoted to Peter the great - a Russian who liked the Dutch. 

Arthur got to try on one of Peter's coats and hats. 

The hermitage used to be an old folks home.  They used to make all the meals in big vats. Yum, yum.

Our second stop of the day was Rembrandt's house.  Here is a view from the back courtyard.

On the third floor was Rembrandt's studio. It faces north so that the light is always consistent. 

Our third stop was the Hortus Botanicus. It was established in 16 something. By this time it was raining so there weren't that many people in the gardens. 

All the plants are labelled and there is a huge diversity. 

One of the green houses also had butterflies in it.  They loved Phyllis's red coat, but I didn't manage to get a picture of that.

Our last visit of the day was to the Portuguese synagogue. That was really interesting as well. 

Arthur didn't have to put on a prayer cap because he was already covering his head. 

The women have their own entrance to the balcony where they partake in the services. 

Phyllis is trying out one of the pews for the women.

We walked home from there and did a few loads of laundry. Later we had Vietnamese food for supper and then wandered around until we found some ice cream.