Last Thursday, Ali (another expat in Brussels) and I hitched a ride to Amsterdam from her husband who had a meeting there. Amsterdam is only 2 hours from Brussels, so it’s an easy day trip.
Sunny Shopping Street
We started off at the train station and wandered toward Rembrant’s house, passing the flower market and a flea market. The flower market was quite impressive with tons of seeds, bulbs, and blooms. I wonder how many tourists buy some only to throw them away at customs.
Shopkeeper in Flower Market
After lunch, we went looking for Crisco, which you can’t find in Belgium. I was amused that we had a tip that they sell it in the sex shops there, but we stumbled upon an American food store first that carried it. The store makes a killing – 9 euros for a bottle of Aunt Jemima’s. They also had black beans, cake mix, peanut butter, and a bunch of other things you can’t find here. I was tempted, but I didn’t get anything.
Boat on Canal
Next, we checked out the Bagijnhoff. It’s an enclosed square where nun-like women have been living since the 14th century. It’s hidden and not easy to find, but definately worth a look. It has a beautiful and peaceful courtyard.
Statue in Bagijnhoff Courtyard
We then walked across town, through Vondelpark, to the Van Gogh Museum. I had visited this in 2004, but had forgotten since you can’t take photos. I really enjoyed visiting it again though. Seeing the texture up close is really neat, and it was fun to get flashbacks on the details about the other impressionist painters I studied in school.
Night Scene on the Canal
Afterward, we met up with Ali’s husband and drove back home. Not only did we eat at an American restaurant, but it was a McDonalds drive thru. It was getting late, and we just wanted a quick dinner. I don’t think that really counts for my no-American restaurants goal, right? :)
Ali by I Amsterdam Sign
It was a great short trip, with fantastic weather, and I really enjoyed getting to know Ali and her husband better.
You can see the rest of my photos on Flickr:
- Amsterdam with Ali (25 photos)
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Nice blog! Glad you enjoyed the outing. We’ll have to go on another adventure soon! Your pictures you posted turned out good; I’ll send you a few of mine by the end of the week (also maybe send me a few of yours via email…for ex, a night shot, I AMSTERDAM, Begijnhof w/ both of us, ect). I’m going to Antwerp tomorrow for 2 days since Shannon has a Deloitte function there. Talk to you soon! Ali
Ali Meyer´s last blog post..Veurne, a small town in West Flanders, Belgium (Jan 24)
Great pictures! I think that is so neat you have found other Americans to explore with.
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I love the Night Scene on the Canal! It almost looks like a Van Gogh.
All I can say is, wow! It certainly makes my daily life seem rather dull, comparatively. (;
Amsterdam is beautiful. We spent a weekend there last January (it’s like 4 hours from Gent so daytripping isn’t so easy) and I LOVED the canals and flowers and architecture.
Nice to have you back. Amsterdam is a beautiful city and looks like you had fun. Your arm really looks bad. Looks like I need to have a talk with your husband about how he is treating you. :)
That sounds like it was a fabulous day trip. I remember craving so many American foods like the maple syrup and popcorn when we lived abroad.
The photos are spectacular. I love the canal shots and the market place with the flowers. I think I would have bought way too many flowers had I been there.
Needled Mom´s last blog post..No Pictures Today
loved this post since i was there too :D
we did a free tour in most of the cities we visited.
http://www.neweuropetours.eu/
they were informative when we only had a short time in these cities.
as for the McDonalds thing- i think you can let that one slip :D
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oh you just have to find someone who is at the NATO base to get on there and buy you your American foods :)
i know a couple i can refer you to :)
debbie´s last blog post..looking forward!
Reid was right! Your pictures are amazing! Have you blown some up for artwork around the house? Nice having lunch with you today!
I love Amsterdam.
Thanks for the beautiful pics!
Did you check if you have a Tesco in Belgium?
The Tesco here in Hungary has a few American products.