Last full day in Amsterdam

So this is our last full day in Amsterdam.  Better get going and explore more pathways and museums to get full value from our free museum passes. We head out to find where the Anna Antal is docked as it will be our home for the next 8 days on the Bike and Barge trip. Cathy chose a three star rating for this trip and assured me that this was not the Anna Antal when I spotted her waiting in a canal.

NOT our barge

 

Hummmmm…. Is that building really not square to the world?? Our tour guide from two days ago told us many buildings were built with the top leaning out to allow easier movement of furniture using a rope and open window as the stairs are small and cramped. We spotted this in action today.

Note the leaning front of the building.

This couch was waiting to be pulled up to the top floor and moved into an open window.

Note the rope and pully.

 After a number of wrong turns and confusing intersections we made it to the dock area where we come tomorrow to board the Anna Antal. This area has some intriguing buildings, pedestrian bridges and pathways.  There is a science center and a library as part of this complex that are very appealing.  

We stopped at the library for lunch and were very impressed with this modern facility.  Here is a sample of the lunch buffet.

 

After lunch we were off to find Rembrandt’s house and the Van Loon Estate were we immersed ourselves in Dutch history for a few hours.

Narrow stairway to upper floor where Rembrandt's studio was located.

Demonstrating how a knife was used to apply rabbit skin sizing to a canvas prior to painting.

The Van Loon family made a lot of money with the East India trading company and the present owner has opened up the house as a museum for all to enjoy.

This is an inspiration for my next dimensions entry! I fear the judges might say the maker had a good thing going but didn't know when to stop.

 Cathy has been after me for years to make a headboard but after seeing this bed I'm afraid the stakes have been raised.

The grounds around the estate were beautifully kept.

Then we were off home again for supper and I spotted this beautiful Egyptian Goose sitting on a pile in a canal.

Supper was in an old mansion and served delicious food with a ‘slow food’ theme and atmosphere. Lovely.