06.14.06
Park with Rijksmuseum in Background
Park with Rijksmuseum in Background.
Hooray for our first full day of European fun! We started our day with coffee on the go as we walked the canals and streets of Amsterdam to the Rijks museum. The museum highlights the Dutch Masters – Vermeer, Steen, and Rembrandt to name a few.
This year Rembrandt celebrates his 400th birthday so it’s all about Rembrandt right now. Matt and I both noted that the portrait of the Prophet Jeremiah was our favorite painting. There was a large special exhibit of The Night Watchmen set up as well. It was very interesting to hear the history of Rembrandt’s painting.
After the Rijks Matt and I enjoyed a snack lunch on a park bench while listening to a wonderful street saxophone performer. While eating we noticed the Coster Diamond Center – a must for this newly married lady. We had to register our names when we walked in the door – I got to be Lindsey Hopkins on paper!!! At the end of the “tour†we had the opportunity to shop though their diamond store. I tired to convince Matt to get me earrings to match my other bling – it was tax-free after all, but I lost that battle.
Following the diamonds we went to the amazingly wonderful Vincent Van Gogh Museum. This was a great flashback through our childhood. Matt and I were able to see works of art that we had only seen in prints. Matt and I both loved Branches of an Almond Tree in Blossom – it was just beautiful! We had to get a print of it for ourselves.
After all of our museum fun we were due for our fist real meal of the day. Since it was raining and we were both starving we settled on noodles from Wok to Walk followed by Australian Waffle ice cream. Blue Bell has nothing on this Australian ice cream. They serve the ice cream next to a waffle and cover it with the toping of your choice. Delicious!!!!
Our final stop of the busy day was Anne Frank’s house. This was a very moving experiencing. They wouldn’t allow us to take pictures but let me just say that the books with pictures of their small space do not do it justice. This sight is must see
It has been another wonderful day. Tomorrow we’re heading out of Amsterdam to the picturesque town of Brugge about a two hour train ride from here, so check back for an update on a great new town. We can’t wait to share! 
carla-mom said,
June 15, 2006 at 5:31 am
WOW! You two really packed it in yesterday! It’s amazing how the rain doesn’t even really bother you over there.
Rijks, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank’s House all in one day!
I love your Van Gogh print! Great choice!
I’ll bet the “bling factory” was very tempting – good self control!
Looked like some good eats, too! Maybe those Brenham cows aren’t the most contented in the world! Thanks for sharing the awesome pictures!
You’ll be able to relax on the train ride tomorrow. Have a wonderful day in romantic Brugge!
I Love You Both!
Carla-Mom
Grandma said,
June 15, 2006 at 6:32 pm
Love the pictures! Have a great honeymoon and tell us all about it.
Gma
connie said,
June 15, 2006 at 6:33 pm
I can’t wait to hear what you think of Brugge! As I told it was one of my favorite places. There is a church there that I was truly overcome with a feeling that I still can’t expalin.
It is very sweet of you two to share with the rest of us your trip! I hope you continue to enjoy and send us back pics of those beautiful smiles!
Love,
Connie Springs
PS Matt, Amanda went into labor today. I have been at hospital with here since lunch but no Chloe yet. I told her about the website and she said to say hi!
Lana said,
June 15, 2006 at 7:16 pm
Congratulations Lindsey and Matt!
Wish I could have been there, my fam said you looked great!
Amsterdam sounds fun but next time you go on a honeymoon you should come to Montana! Its really fun here and beautiful too!
Your welcome to come see me in Missoula anytime you want to!
Have fun!
Lana
Dad Hopkins said,
June 16, 2006 at 1:25 am
Have fun in Bruge!! Love the pics and narrative. Keep on bloggin.
Love
Tiffany Caseltine said,
June 16, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Hi guys! Well it looks like you’re having a phenominal grand time in Europe. This is so cool that you’re “blogging” your trip together. I’ve especially enjoyed listening to your excitement about your adventures. Have a great time and I hope to see you when you return before your next big adventure to Cali begins.
Luv,
Tiff
ps. Lindsey I’m swamped… AND it’s definitely NOT the same without my side-kick!!!