Prairie Boy: Exploring Amsterdam Day 2

We started our morning with a great breakfast and conversation both supplied by Fleur, our delightful B&B host. Her bird shares the family affections with two cats.

Fleur with her bird.

We set out on our bikes heading toward city center paying constant attention to cars, pedestrians, scooters and more competent local cyclists all of whom seemed intent on passing us within inches and at a much faster pace. Somehow this moving chaos has an underlying order that works quite well if you get in the flow and pay attention.

I don’t think there was one moment today when we were outside that you couldn't see a bicycle somewhere.

I am intrigued on many levels how parents in Amsterdam transport children. They grow up being transported everywhere on bicycle, in the rain, wind and sun. This mother has two child seats attached to her bike. The boys are completely comfortable as they climb up and head out in the rain.

As we rode along the canals and pathways toward city center one scene after another called out: “picture me”, ‘‘picture me”.

We were soon immersed in this city’s fascinating history. The Museum of Amsterdam does a superb job of moving viewers through time from a thousand A.D. to present day. Written, audio and 3D models all helped to engage me in a way few museums are able (which says more about my short attention span than poor museum displays). Cathy was completely engaged as she loves history.

A wooden model showing how boats were raised to pass through canals. I was completely seduced by the craftsmanship of this creation.

For some of my carving friends.

As we were preparing for a rest and a coffee, Cathy spotted a “Free Tour” sign. We headed over and sure enough there was a three hour walking tour starting in a few minutes. It was led by a local musician who doubled as a tour guide in the daytime. His knowledge, engagement and enthusiasm created a superb environment for soaking up the tour.