06.17.06
Whooping Good Time at Waterlooplein!
After a semi-leisurely morning Matt and I set out towards Southeast Amsterdam, the home of the flower market, Waterlooplein flea market and Rembrandt’s house. On our way we stopped at a café for a terrific lunch. Matt had a wonderful sandwich of pastrami, white cabbage and horseradish sauce – it was amazing. I had an omelet with smoked salmon – aren’t you guys proud??? Me and fish! – I’m working on it. Matt and I once again enjoyed splitting our meal so that we could enjoy the best of both worlds. After lunch we walked through one of the shopping malls of Amsterdam – Magna Plaza. This is very much like an American shopping mall, many American brands at European prices. The Magna Plaza was originally the city’s post office, it is quite a beautiful building – nothing like the old Deerbrook.
After lunch we made our way past the flower market, again, and found the Waterlooplein flea market. The Waterlooplein has tons of cheap clothes, hippie stuff, old records, knickknacks and junk! Matt and I enjoyed walking up and down the rows and laughed at how many American items there were for sale. We could have bought our own Wendy’s hamburger t-shirt right here in Amsterdam!!! After the flea market we made our way around the corner to glance at the house where Rembrandt lived. We didn’t have the urge to pay the fee for the museum but it was nice to see the house from the outside.
After spending time in Southeast Amsterdam we made our way back towards the more central part of town while passing the Amsterdam opera house, the Nieuwmarket square and the Waag building. The Waag building was part of the main gate of the city’s eastern wall. It has quite a history including being an operating theater for med students where they could see a body dissected. Now it is a café – hummm just something about eating a sandwich where I know bodies were previously dissected! You be the judge but I’m going to eat elsewhere.
There were tons of tourists and locals out today which created very crowded streets. It was fun to see all the people who passed the time by cruising the canals on their boats. Matt and I have agreed that on our next visit to Amsterdam we’ll consider renting a boat for the day, what fun that would be! Our time in Amsterdam is coming to a close. We have Sunday and Monday left and then we’re on to London. Tomorrow we’ll make the trip to Brugge – finally! I can’t wait to taste the waffles and chocolate and to see the beautiful churches and lace. Until then!
Lesley said,
June 17, 2006 at 7:38 pm
Guys, your trip sounds amazing. I’m so jealous when I hear of everything you have done. I love scrolling through the pictures and wishing I was there. I know y’all are having a great time.!
**MATT- Buy the girl some flowers! I get the vibe she wants some from the flower market!**
See ya soon,
Les
Grandma said,
June 17, 2006 at 8:06 pm
Chocolate at Brugge!!! sounds so good. Oh well, chocolate ANYWHERE
sounds good! A Wendy’s t-shirt in Amsterdam! The world is indeed a small place, after all. Have fun in Brugge. Love, Gma.
mama Y said,
June 17, 2006 at 10:15 pm
Well, you guys are having a wonderful time. You are describing everything so well that I feel that I am there. I can’t wait to see all the pictures of the flower market. The flowers from the wedding are just beginning to wilt. All the baby’s breath is drying in the garage. We will make a wreath for your new home. Packages are arriving daily so you will have plenty to do when you come home. Have a great day tomorrow. Look forward to reading all about it. Love, mama y
Gayle S said,
June 18, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins,
Van Gogh! Rembrandt! Delft!
Sounds like heaven, and that doesn’t even take into account the waffles and ice cream!
So glad you are having a wonderful honeymoon.
Thanks for the great photos. They’re fun to see…
xoxo
Gayle S
carla-mom said,
June 18, 2006 at 8:58 pm
The pictures are fabulous! I can’t wait to hear all about romantic Brugge.
Make the most of you last day in Amsterdam.
I’m almost sad about you having to leave this magical city.
But I know what you have in store in the UK!!
You have more splendid adventures ahead of you in jolly old London!
Rest up and enjoy every second!
I Love You Both!
Carla-Mom
connie said,
June 18, 2006 at 9:44 pm
Hey newlyweds!!! You two look like you are having a BLAST! The new pics are GREAT! Linds, I so agree with you I wish we had the flower markets here in states like they do there. I can say after visiting, I do buy cheap fresh flowers for the house every week. Mike just puts up with it but it makes me think of family, fun, and laughter. Guys, that pancake was HUGE but looked so yummy! Y’all are making me long for another Europe trip!
It makes my heart happy to see you two spending such wonderful quality time together, experiencing new things together and loving every minute of it!
Linds I have not told you yet but I resigned from Humble ISD last week. I am going to work for Spring Branch ISD at Memorial Middle School teaching 6. 7, & 8th resource math and co-teach science. I am very excited as it is only 12 minutes from my house and 2 blockes from Mikes office. So we are both taking on new and unknown challenges at the same time! We will support eachother through it OK!!!
Chloe Jane Richards was born Saturday morning at 4:40 am. Amanda was in labor for 29 hours… but all are home and very happy. She looks just like Chris!
Well I hpe as you read this you have spent another wonderful day of new and exciting things! Keep smiling…loving… and enjoying!!
Love to you both,
Connie