Amsterdam Christmas Lights

Some street lights in Amsterdam. Looked prettier in person.

Family Reunion

Our adopted Marine was posted in The Hague while we were in Amsterdam, so he rode the pancake boat with us! We hope to catch up with him again while we're in the US for home leave in November.

Amsterdam Graffiti

There was a graffiti park near the ferry's dock. We explored it while waiting to cross the bay to home.

Pancake Boat Dessert

What's a cruise without dessert? Lots of ice cream, crisp cookies, and toppings were enjoyed by all.

Views On The Bay

Andreas took these photos from the window of the pancake boat. I love  the industrial feel to everything. The day was overcast and chilly, but didn't rain.

What You Eat...

on the pancake boat. They have sweet and savory ones and you get to put what you want inside.

Abandoned

This old submarine is sitting rusting near a quay in Amsterdam. Sadness.

Christmas Leftovers

All the empty bottles. A lot of people came over, so don't judge.

Playing Machi Koro

We played Machi Koro for the first time in Amsterdam, with a German language deck. I never win, but it's fun to play.

Christmas Walk In Amsterdam

Playing and walking around the neighborhood in Amsterdam on a (finally) pretty day. The first week we were there, it rained every day.

Christmas Eve Breakfast

I made these crescent roll danishes for Christmas eve breakfast after we went to the commissary the day before.

Over The Canal

Overlooking the canal by where we were staying and watching the duck leave ripples in the stillness on a beautiful morning.

Dutch Road Food

There is a chain I've only seen at Dutch rest stops. It's got hot food ready and healthy to eat, and you pick and sit down and eat. Not a bad concept - if you can find the person to pay.

Heather In Amsterdam

The Dutch have decided to use hardy heather to brighten up short winter days in Amsterdam. We saw it in several flower boxes.

Skating In Amsterdam

We went to the local ice rink by the Rijksmuseum and watched the boys skate. I gave them a few pointers on how to do it a bit better, balance wise.

Netherlands Sky

While we were in the Netherlands, it rained a lot. Here, the sky out the window of the train to Amsterdam looks like it's got a bit of sun peeking through.

Leiden Christmas Market

We took the children of a friend to the Leiden Christmas market. It's in the river on floating docks and includes a skating rink! The rest was pretty small, but pretty too. We ate lunch, looked around, and rode the train home.

Amsterdam Buildings

Random building photos of Amsterdam in the area we were staying. Old and pretty.

Dinner For Two In Amsterdam

We were out alone in Amsterdam for dinner, just looking around, and stumbled on this pizza joint near the Rejksmuseum. The food was good, if overpriced. Service was not the best. Plus, what is it with mustard on carpaccio? Really?