Into Amsterdam

We had a leisurely start to Sunday morning, having decided to take the train into Amsterdam.   We were on a mission to find a couple of areas where Tony's grandmother & great grandmother lived along with cousins. We had to walk through the inner part of Amsterdam which was, as so many write ups describe, 'colourful'.  There was a huge amount of rubbish floating in the canals as well as banked up on sidewalks. It was very busy, with untold numbers of bikes & not just car park lots but bike lots often 3 stacks high, especially near the train station.  It was a warm 29 degrees, so many people were again stripped off to bathers or no t-shirts, just shorts; with many looking very red and burnt.  It had been almost wintery weather up until only a few days before so many were relishing this weather.  The canals were extremely busy ..

We were able to find most of the places, except one that had been reconstructed. Many apartments are several hundred years old in some areas.  We had lunch at a little Dutch Cafe that was quite upmarket with the food. Also a quieter spot to map out where to next. On our round about way back to the train station we stumbled upon an amazingly large Catholic Church which we think because of its position could have been where Tony's grandmother went.  

A sucussful day ...home to enjoy more of our produce we had from the markets, & to plan for Monday .. 

On our walk to one the apartments in Amsterdam.  

Our walk took us past the Opera & Ballet buiding & we saw that there is special mooring for those who come to the Theatre by boat ...

So many house boats that many were two side by side.  

Colourful awnings .. 

This little building has been there since 1635 & still serving beer & food.  

So many different face fronts with some more elaborate than others ... 

The very old Catholic Church that Tony's grandmother & great-grandmother would possibly have worshipped in as this was within a short distance from where the family lived & also being Catholic. 

Along the walk back to the train station.  

Continuing on the walk - trees atop this boat made out of wine bottles !! 

As we had dinner outside on our decking this family came by & chattered as they passed, saying how much the dogs loved the ride -what a lovely finish to the day ....