Van Gogh and Amsterdam

The 2nd largest collection of van Gogh paintings is at the Kroller-Muller Museum, that is situated in a very large park about 1/2 hour from where we stay. Within the park, are various pieces of art that we know little or nothing about, structures of some sort that look impressive, and an area for kids to play  and eat.

And lots of trees. They also have a large number of bikes which are provided to more easily get around the park. You pick up one, ride it to where you want to go, leave it there, and then when you're ready to return, just pick another and ride back to where you started.

Here's an example of a piece of art that we know nothing about. But that doesn't keep it from being impressive.

We thought this figure looked a little like Alfred Hitchcock, but it isn't.












Once inside, we walked from room to room looking at van Gogh and much more.

We think this is an almond blossom tree. Linda liked it because it looks like a cheery blossom tree. Van Gogh.


This painting was a practice to get ready for "The Potato Eaters".

Keep in mind that these paintings are the originals.

Back outside, we walked around the pond and saw more art. 

This piece, called "56 Barrels" was done by Christof who has done large exhibitions around the world. He draped parts of central park in New York City in curtains.











On another day we had scheduled a free walking tour of Amsterdam and took the train to the city. This tour was advertised as visiting some places the tourist usually don't get to.

Our tour guide was this young man who was born and has lived his entire life in Amsterdam. He interspersed his talk with comments about his younger years when he and some of his chums did some crazy stuff. Amsterdam is not as crazy as it was in the 70's. Smoking pot is unlawful, but tolerated. They have various laws that don't get enforced unless there is abuse.

Here is a classic view of the city. There are more than two bicycles per person. And they are stolen regularly. Outside the clubs, the homeless will steal the bike and then sell it back to you at a reasonable price. What a deal.


After three hours, we were tired and hungry and just happened upon this restaurant just down the street from the end of the tour.  We sat outside and had a very enjoyable dinner: I had a huge serving of mussels, Linda was going to order a Dutch dish called hotchpotch but decided on goose, and Lynda had a steak. It was all good, we should go back.

The food and setting was so good it put us in a romantic mood.