The Big Weekend Out...

Hello everyone, once again,

We managed to cover a lot of ground this weekend and the best, at least on a social level, is yet to come. The I Amsterdam Card is a fantastic idea, the only difficulty is squeezing in as much as you possibly can in a relatively small amount of time. The choices of destination are many, so many it seems almost impossible to see it all even in the maximum amount of time at 72 hours.

I'd like everyone to keep in mind that I am only going to give you an overview of where we went and what we did over this weekend. I know that I will not do justice to these places, their beauty, significance and allure in such a short description of each. All of these places, collectively and individually, are truly incredible and every fleeting moment was a privilege.

On Saturday we hopped a tram early in the morning over to the Troppenmuseum. Even moving at a steady pace we could have easily spent twice as much time there as we did. The Troppenmuseum displays thousands of artifacts from cultures spanning the greater tropics. From Southern Mexico to Northern Africa, it is an anthropological journey through time. The highlight for me was the Che Guevara exhibition that explored the image of the man himself and its permutations and significance through so many cultures.

After that we made our way across to Museum het Rembrandthuis. Rembandt's former residence has been restored and houses a substantial collection of original paintings and etchings - it has been designed to reflect the original interiors and furnishings of Rembrandt's time. The wooden interior stairwells, white wash walls and timber furnishings gave a distinct feel of a time long past. How can you even describe that experience? Then there is the knowledge that the artwork that hangs in front of you is centuries old - and has an allure and beauty that still speaks as strongly in our time as it did in Rembrandt's.

After a short pit stop for a much needed refuel we went to the Museum Willet-Holthuysen. This building is in its original condition as it was in the 17th century and of course furnished as such. Marble stairwells, painted glass windows and magnificent chandeliers - this place is what a real mansion looks like. No expense spared, everything is so grand and opulent. There were plenty of period pieces on display from Delfware to carvings and tapestries, the games room even boasted a painted ceiling. I'm looking for someone to pimp my mansion. Although not my usual choice of excursion it was certainly worth the time spent.

Continuing on, we visited The Foam Photography Museum. Featuring several contributing photographers from across the world, including some that have not been exhibited in 40 years, the main exhibition was from renowned photojournalist James Nachtwey. We were both very moved by the images featured representing the brutality and consequences of modern war. Although having a certain beauty, the subject material was what I can only call a mind fuck. Stomach turning, heart-breaking and enough to cause serious anger and hatred all in one blink of an eye. Something I will not soon forget.

After a long and tiring day we ended with a calming canal cruise aboard one of the Holland International river boats. We had of course seen many of the canals around the city but from this vantage point it is easy to gain a new perspective. The pace of it is a definite change from the myriad of people wandering the city. The most amusing part is when you realise you are taking photos from the boat of the bridge over the canal as opposed to the boat from the bridge over the canal. Ha. With no less than 70 photos we have plenty to show you of the canals and the sights.

By the time we got home on Saturday we were both quite knackered, called it an early night and were prepared to go off and do much of the same tomorrow.

Sunday arrived and we were off by tram once more this time over to the Historichmuseum (I just love how that is one word). The Museum walks you through the history of Amsterdam and The Netherlands from its origins right through to the modern day. Again we could have spent much more time here than we did. From the first courts and trading, the agriculture and engineering - the journey through the country and city's growth was incredibly comprehensive right up to the modern day. Including a collection of armor from Amsterdam's Nightwatch (portrayed by both Rembrandt and Van Gogh) to memorabilia from the 1928 Olympics, the range of experience was both culturally and historically wide reaching.

After the Historichmuseum, we walked up to the Old and New Church's (Kerks) which are both a short distance from Dam Square. The New Church, although not actually open when we walked past, largely holds exhibits and touring exhibitions the last of which featured Istanbul's culture and art. The Old Church, which was also holding an exhibition of world photography, is the oldest monument in Amsterdam built in 1250. The buildings themselves were both equally impressive, the Old Church - with its distinct Gothic style - had my preference of the two as far as churches go (and no, this was not because it was in the middle of the red light district - one of Amsterdam's great ironies).

Next, after a short rest, we were off to the Theatremuseum. The Theatremuseum focused on more recent history as opposed to past history of theatre in Amsterdam. Many of the exhibitions displayed production notes, set and lighting design, and video installations of the featured works. There were also exhibitions/installations from various prominent local artists. The museum was also a comprehensive library and resource centre for practitioners and students of theatre.

Soon after that, we made our way to the Houseboatmuseum. As the name suggests, this is an actual houseboat that sits on Prinsengracht. The boat is a former freighter, dating from 1914, which was later converted to a houseboat and lived in up until 1998. It now serves as an example of one of the 2500 houseboats moored and lived in on the canals of Amsterdam.

Last but by no means least - the Van Gogh Museum. Again, it is impossible to do true justice to the sheer beauty within these walls. Not only is there an extensive display of Van Gogh's works, there are many of his pupils, colleagues and contemporaries works (such as Picasso and Monet, just to name drop) featured throughout the floors of the museum. As you completed circuits of the museum's floors, you visually experienced the development of an extraordinarily brilliant and incredibly troubled mind. I mean, really, how does one describe the emotion of a brush stroke on canvas with a few mere words. The museum also featured an exhibition of
Max Beckmann works, from his time in Amsterdam 1937-1947.

After 2 very long days, the time is about 11:40pm and tomorrows festivities are already well under way. This Mandag is Queensday, in Amsterdam it is the equivalent of Australia Day, ANZAC Day and New Year's Eve all rolled into one celebration. From our open window the atmosphere sounds like Oktoberfest - what can only be described as folk music is filling the air. Although we are due to work in the morning, if all goes to plan by midday we will be partying on down with an entire city. Everywhere from the Dam to Museumplein, Muntplein to Leidersplein, shops are covered in orange balloons and streamers and stocked with food and beer ready for the city's biggest day of the year.

There are plenty of photos from the weekend ready to be posted, but for now we are going to call it a night. Just a little rest for the wicked and the wicked does it all over again.

For now, peace and regards once more,

Jim and Ness

FYI: Firstly, in Dutch when you hear your tram conductor say Van Gogh, you actually hear "Van" followed by what can only be described as the sound of a large amount of nasty phlegm being dislodged from one's throat. Secondly, if American's are by definition stupid (no thanks to George Bush) then elderly Americans are complete morons. My case and point is in a conversation between two 60 or 70 plus American ladies discussing a Van Gogh still life of a vase and flowers as, "...Pretty, but such a shame they are wilting."