I'm typing this from Ghent, Belgium, and I forgot my camera memory card reader in Amsterdam, so I won't have pictures for the blog until I get a replacement (hopefully tomorrow). Bummer!!!
Day Three started with sleeping late (again). Leslie, David, Ann Marie, and I set out that afternoon via the tram for the Tropenmuseum, dedicated to the cultures of the tropics, especially the former colonies of the Netherlands. We especially enjoyed the Day of the Dead exhibit and thought of cousin Alexis while viewing the Couture exhibit.
After spending several hours in the museum, we fed ravenously hungry ducks in neighboring Oosterpark, thanks to the Amsterdamian who gave us spare bread to feed those ducks. We did a good bit of trekking through the snow, and I realized that those brown boots I love so much are worn out, as my socks gradually absorbed melted snow through the worn out soles. We viewed some art sculptures in the park before heading to the tram stop. While waiting for the tram to home, we ran into a former New Orleanian wearing a Saints jacket. He said that living in New Orleans this time of year is a "good idea" and that he returns yearly for carnival. That night Leslie cooked Indian food (delicious!) and we enjoyed watching the movie Bella.
Day 4 (Thursday), Amsterdam
We arose early today (9:30) due to the housekeeper, who saw me in a towel. Our day consisted of a highly successful shopping trip - new Geox shoes, a coat, and the makings of a super special New Year's Eve supper.
I left the house thinking that I would go see the Ann Frank House again, but Leslie convinced me that I should see the Van Gogh Museum again. I did the latter and boy what a treat is was, especially two temporary exhibits on Alfred Stephens and on Van Gogh's letters, and seeing those paintings we constantly see in book and on the Internet and TV - the Potato Eaters, the Yellow House, Bedroom at Arles, Sunflowers, and Wheat fields with Crows. It was superb, and they had to kick me out at closing time.
After, I decided to make my way to the C & G department store to exchange the underwear I bought, which was too tight. They were closed, so now those undies go to to Randy (does that count as my gift to bring back to him?). So I made my way over to the famed red light district to take a stroll. Nuts!! Why? A lot of these women are very hot! Why are the doing this? It was fun but I still felt bad looking at these girls. One thing I noticed is that they all drink red bull, send text messages on their cell phone, and smoke cigarettes, all while they are working.
I made it home via the 51 to help cook dinner - steak, salmon, baked potatoes, mushroom, salad, and apple pie. A movie after dinner and then.....wow!!!!! Starting at 11:30ish, non-stop fireworks for the next two hours. Everywhere you looked outside, in a 360 degree circle was fireworks, on right after the other. This was by far one of the coolest things that I have ever seen. The excitement for the coming new year was palpable and spread to me.
Late-night chit chatting about new years of current and past, and then we called it a night. I set my alarm for 7:00 to call Randy to be able to wish him Happy New Year at midnight in New Orleans, which I did and got....voicemail (!!!!) :-)
Day 5 (Friday), Amsterdam and Ghent, Belgium
A perfect New Year's day.....an entire family sleeping until noon. With everyone refreshed, we lounged around a few more hours and set out for Belgium at 3:00. I called Randy who told me that at the NYE party at our house in NoLa, Todd destroyed a 100 year-old glass window in the process of doing a keg stand.
Our drive to Belgium was scenic. After checking into our Brady-Bunchy era hotel (with a totally tricky renovation), we set out for the city-center, where we enjoyed the beautiful medieval architecture, canals, and squares of Ghent. David picked out our restaurant -- Chinese -- which turned out to be delightful indeed. We are all looking forward to going tomorrow to see the Castle of the Counts, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Belfry.
Hopefully, with a little luck, I will have pics to post tomorrow!
xxxxxxx,
B
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