Amsterdam was where we would join the Viking Sigrun (they call it a ship, not a boat) and the other approximately 179 others who had chosen this trip up the Rhine for a week’s voyage. Kerry and I chose to arrive early in Amsterdam, giving us time to meet friends, and to rid ourselves of jet lag, after our lengthy flights from New Zealand. Over 36 hours should you wonder.

We stayed in a small hotel which had rather interesting wallpaper in the reception. I was less enamoured with the three flights of narrow twisting stairs we had to hump our bags up a few minutes later. But Kerry kindly helped me out by taking mine too.

But the outside soon called us away. The weather was a reasonable 22 degrees, and perfect for walking. And boy did we walk! We were keen to see the Amsterdam we’d met many years before.

And, while there were lots of cyclists and bikes then, we could not believe at the increase of both, and how the streets were crammed with cyclists ducking and diving between cars and pedestrians.

But there were also many lovely streets and scenes. And cafes and bars, which we popped into when hunger or thirst claimed our attention.

I never came across a moody assistant, whether in a restaurant, or store. So nice to be greeted with a warm smile.

There was so much to love about Amsterdam; the shop assistants, bar owners, receptionists, and of course the art museums – a main attraction for us. With much stopping to check the phone map (a new ‘convenience’ since our last visit), we arrived at the Art Precinct. As we had visited the Van Gogh, and the Rijksmuseum before, so chose to visit the Stedelijk, the contemporary art museum. But first lunch!

The museum did not disappoint. I apologise for the lack of images here, as I had a greater need of a sit-down. I did enjoy the vast, retrospective exhibition of work by well-known designer Karel Martens, which was absolutely astounding, showing so many aspects of preparatory concept drawings to finished products. The exhibitions were beyond the scope of a simple image, so please tap the link to see more.

The following day I met a blogger friend for the first time. She and I have been corresponding for some time, and luckily for me, she was able to meet me in Amsterdam. We wandered through the old town, my friend telling me of the history of the area, which was great. One of the places she suggested I may like to see was the Royal Palace, as it is open to visitors when not used for royal receptions. I was keen. The Royal Palace has a fascinating history from 1648 when it was built as a city hall. The entire building is adorned in marble, with so many figures sculpted in white. The rooms are vast, and quite mesmerising for the detail and size of them all. There is a story behind every major statue, and you could learn more by tapping the link to this incredible building.

And all too soon we were trundling along cobbled streets with our bags again, on our way to the wharf where our ship was moored for us to start our journey up the Rhine. However, this is not quite the end of our Amsterdam experience, but you’ll just have to wait a little for me to show you more.

A special thank you to my friend from The Netherlands, I hope that we shall meet again.