A long weekend in Amsterdam is always a treat! The canals, the bikes, the size of the city are quite a change from the pace of a larger city like Paris, where I live. It's only a little over 4 hours from Paris with Thalys, the fast train.I made a long tour in the city last Friday - in spite of the rain.
I started by taking a tram to go to the Concertgebouw, to get the season's program - because yes, I am planning to come back. Trams are an alternative means of transportation to the bike, the real "classic". The Dutch do not mind the rain and do not use "bike capes" to cover themselves when it rains! Trams are also definitely better if you plan to spend the day touring.
From there, across the street, I had a view of the Museum Plein and its impressive modern building that houses the Van Gogh Museum, the largest collection of paintings by this artist. If you plan your trip ahead, book your tickets on line, you'll avoid a loooong waiting line. Entrance ticket with the audio tour is 16.50 Euros.
It's a short walk to the Rijksmuseum, the museum of art and history, partly closed for restoration works, but still displaying an impressive collection of paintings. Here again, you can buy and print your e-ticket on line.
I had a quick lunch before continuing, nicely presented: a piece of brown bread, and an individual pan with a slice of ham, a slice of melted cheese, an egg, and two slices of tomato. 
Across another canal, I walked on to the street of antique shops. My eye was instantly caught by the collections of Asian antiques, a favorite having lived so long in Asia myself. 
But I also love cows, and found this 17 C pair at a specialist in antique Delft porcelain simply delightful. Though the price tag was a shock: 13,500 Euros! I'll pass - but aren't they beautiful.
From there it is a short walk to the flower market where tulips are everywhere.
50 tulips for 10 Euros ... I couldn't resist and bought a bunch of white ones, plus plenty of bulbs for my Parisian deck. 
But I also love cows, and found this 17 C pair at a specialist in antique Delft porcelain simply delightful. Though the price tag was a shock: 13,500 Euros! I'll pass - but aren't they beautiful.From there it is a short walk to the flower market where tulips are everywhere.
50 tulips for 10 Euros ... I couldn't resist and bought a bunch of white ones, plus plenty of bulbs for my Parisian deck. By then it was time to head back home ... I was pretty tired I must say!
On my way home I bought mussels for our evening meal! Miam! I fried a shallot in olive oil, added 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, a glass of dry white wine, and the mussels. Cover and let open over low heat. Toss them now and then. When they are open, serve immediately. 
On my way home I bought mussels for our evening meal! Miam! I fried a shallot in olive oil, added 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, a glass of dry white wine, and the mussels. Cover and let open over low heat. Toss them now and then. When they are open, serve immediately. 
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