Sunday Already?

I find it hard to believe that Christmas Break is already coming to a close. Not sure where the time went, but as usual, it flew by. I am left with a bit of a headache and a small measure of peace and rest. We just finished cleaning the house to make an attempt at preparing for the restart of school. We are not even close to being ready to go back. Somehow, I don't think we are the only ones...

We left Naomi's Mom's house on New Years Eve. While travelling to the train station we were surrounded by sounds reminiscent of what some battles of the Second World War must have sounded like in that area. A barrage of firecrackers littered the streets with sounds ranging from a lowly pistol shot to that of a German 88. We escaped with our lives.

Rotterdam was no quieter. At midnight we went upstairs to watch the show. Instead of just a main city display, it is a custom here for many people to buy their own fireworks to supplement these large light and sound shows. As a result, there were fireworks exploding near and far, in every direction. It was fun to watch. Somehow it contradicts the data that we find ourselves in a recession...

We had a couple days of rest and then spent some time in Amsterdam, only 40 minutes by train. We met Naomi's Dad for lunch, walked around the city for a bit, and toured the Rijks Museum where the works of Rembrant, Vermeer, and many others are on display. The building itself is incredibly impressive (although not at night - they had almost no lighting), but they have failed to integrate any of this classic, imposing style within the museum itself. I was disappointed about this, along with the chaos, unfriendliness, and overpriced bad food that exists within Amsterdam. I think we will have to get to know the city a bit more before really enjoying it - walking around is always a pleasure though.

We were able to jump start a couple hobbies that have been in the pipeline for far to long. We finally figured out the system at the library so now we can get new movies and music. We also found a place to buy nice mat board and we got a nice price, so now we can get on with the picture framing...once we figure out how to use the mat cutter. Unfortunately, I am afraid that what little energy we have cultivated during this relaxing vacation will quickly be gobbled up as we step back into school.

The Rijks Museum

The museum's detailed architecture - just a drain spout?

Inside the museum - a staircase imported from pre-war Rotterdam.

Rembrandt's 'Night Watch'.

The only part of the museum lit up at night.

The Royal Palace.

One of many churches.

Walking under water? Only in Dutch Land.

The Central Station.

A typical street in Amsterdam.