With our body clocks still not entirely adjusted, we started the day with a much better than average b’fast included with the room. Once ready, we hopped on the wrong tram headed towards the Museumkwartier, which would prove to not be our last mistake on the tram system. The error didn’t cause too much trouble other than perhaps a few more steps than would have otherwise been required. Located the Van Gogh Museum with some time to spare allowing us to get a look at the impressive Rijksmuseum building.
The VVG exhibit provided a fulsome history of the artist’s life and work laying out the confluence of genius and madness. It was interesting that some of his more famous paintings were very highly regarded during his lifetime with other artists incorporating his sunflowers within images of their own. Afterwards, we struck out on foot and found a small non-descript bar/cafe to sit a moment and get our bearings. The layout of Amsterdam’s central area is very disorienting with streets laid out in a semi-circular fashion emanating from the docks and broken up by the seemingly random network of canals. Turned out we were in a reasonably good spot to hop on a tram leading to the Old Town and red light district. Tried to use my phone based Wise card for the scan in/scan out system - couldn’t get the scan out to register after many attempts with the exasperated locals watching derisively. Oh well, the max charge will apparently apply (€4,00). Walked past an Hamas permanent protest set up in the courtyard of the Paleis Op de Dam which was undergoing some renovation of the cupola, but the brightly gilded weathervane was befitting of the seafaring Dutch history. Our walkabout took us through the red light district which was as seedy as advertised, but also interesting was the ubiquity of cannabis outlets. Somehow, we found ourselves on Prins Hendrikkade with the step count getting way up there, we were indeed Moe, Hongerig & Dorstig once more. My effort to hail an Uber failed to succeed so we were forced to walk along some more before settling in at the ancient house by the canal (Cafe de Sluyswacht) for a grilled cheese + Frites.
After that I had more success getting an Uber to take us back to the hotel for a nap. It was no mean feat to find a nearby Oost Pizza and Pasta which worked out in the end after a relatively short walk in the rain. Next door was CatuaBar for an ADD and then a cleansing ale at the unpopular Bar Dowes we were complete for our full day in Amsterdam.
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