Amsterdam 2

---

The Icelandic weather finally caught up with us today! Cold and rainy. We had visited the Rjikbut s Museum the last time we were in Amsterdam so we decided on something new. The Hermitage in St. Petersburg has recently opened an affiliate museum in Amsterdam. It is a beautiful facility and houses artwork on loan from the main museum in Russia. They presented a special exhibition called "Romanovs and Revolution". It was very well done, interesting and a great way to spend a rainy day.

Our stay in Amsterdam was short but very enjoyable. The first two days gave us a chance to really get a feel for the city and some of the surrounding area.

Impressions: Amsterdam is a very busy cosmopolitan city of 1.3 million in the metropolitan area. This was a real contrast to Reykjavik. There are more bicycles than people and it is important to stay clear of the bike lanes as a pedestrian. Thankfully, almost everyone speaks English especially at hotels and restaurants and other tourist interfaces. Everyone we met was helpful and courteous. And, of course, it is absolutely beautiful with postcard photo ops everywhere.

Next we are on to Germany!

---

Photos

I Amsterdam sign outside the RijksMuseum
This is a favorite spot for selfies.

Entrance to Rijksmuseum
Slight pause in the rain.

The Hermitage Amsgterdam
It is in a beautiful setting right on the Amstel River

Porcelain Figurines
These figures representing the different ethnic groups in Russia were given to Nicholas II represented in the middle.

Official Portrait of Nicholas II
The winter palace in the background.