Dutch Doings

I had my fears about traveling to The Netherlands with the children while leaving David behind to solve solar cell efficiency problems, but we had a fantastic trip!

on the canal tour

We arrived to sunshine and warmer weather than at home (2ºC vs. -2ºC) so we relaxed only briefly before taking a canal boat tour.  We liked the skinny houses, seeing the enormous bicycle parking lot by the train station, and being able to see inside some of the houseboats that line the canal.

having a snack outside the Van Gogh Museum

I was not sure what the kids would think of the Van Gogh Museum, but we all loved it.  I had no idea he had done so many different kinds of art in such a short period.  We also learned that his name is pronounced vun Khokh, like the Scottish loch or Hebrew ch.

waiting for a tram outside the Tropenmuseum

The highlight of the Tropenmuseum was seeing and hearing the instruments from around the world.  The museum was great because it was like nothing we had ever seen before.

at The Pancake Bakery - what a treat!

We ate absolutely delicious poffertjes, little pancakes traditionally served with butter and sugar.  The kids chose the special, which included cinnamon ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate.

Just up the street was Anne Frank's house, which was not easy to visit, but it was important to do.  R. liked seeing a letter there from Bill Gates, who had visited 35 years ago and written to Mr. Frank afterward.

The highlight of our trip to The Hague was the M. C. Escher museum, which is housed in the former winter palace of the royal family.  On top of the fantastic art (also a greater variety than we expected), there were stories about the palace, and an unusual chandelier in each room.

a chandelier designed by Dutch artist Hans van Bentem

A. was inspired to create his own tessellation

A few other notes -

The hostel was right next to Vondelpark and we took a little time to explore.

hidden away along a path under a bridge 

The buffet breakfast had Dutch cheese, Dutch krentenbollen (raisin buns), and of course sprinkles.

I wonder if the kids think all European cities have as many cyclists as Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

not a great picture, but in the background is the mulit-level bicycle parking lot

What I don't have a picture of is the way the kids were patient when I checked the map ten times before figuring out which way to go, how the kids never complained about the snow or fog, and the way they chose to do activities together instead of individually.  It makes me feel brave enough to think about a trip to Paris.