We were at the Kroller Muller museum yesterday and loved the Van Gogh's and the grounds of the park. We drove our own car, so didn't have the public transportation problem. Great site if you can easily arrive.

The Openair museum in the same general area close to Arnhem was also pretty good.

I loved your report. My favorite museum in Amsterdam (and one of my all-time favorites anywhere) was the Tropenmuseum or Tropical Museum. It showed aspects of various cultures, mostly relating to Dutch colonialism. A very interesting place for me and my kids liked it too.

Amyb: was so pleased to see someone else on the hunt for all the Vermeers. We started this after we had been to the Netherlands so need to go back. We were in FRA in Feb and managed to see the one there giving us 20. Did you see the one in BOS before it was stolen?

Any chance of your sister posting her pictures, amyb?

tmh, no the theft at the Gardener museum was before we started this insanity. I've seen a few without my sister, and she claims I need to go back (Vienna, Paris) with her to make it even! But they are truly stellar.

noe847, I'll see if I can put a few of my sister's up. She's not nearly as compulsive as I am about the trip thing (both of my albums are done -- one for just Keukenhof, the other for the rest -- god love MyPublisher and its coupons!) and she's just getting around to sorting through laundry now... ;-)

Yes, I saw both of yours (and commented up above) - it's so fun looking at pictures to go along with a trip report.

I'm going to Amsterdam at the end of March. Your trip report has LOTS of very practical suggestions and recommendations--thanks!!

m

Thanks to those who brought this report up to the top. I missed it first time out.

Amy, great report. I liked the way you organized it. Sorry you weren't impressed with Haarlem and that you missed the Frans Hals museum there. I thought it was a gem.

I enjoyed your pictures. The one of you in front of Starbucks with your sister reflected in the glass as she took the picture was clever. Your cat pictures at the end were a delight!

I have been fortunate to visit the Netherlands several times. The last time was tulip time and with my sister as well. Your report reminded me of the good times we had.

Thanks for a trip down Memory Lane.

Ahhhhhh, such memories. I visited Amsterdam in July 2006 and loved it. But, it would have been so much better if I had my clothes. I spent a cold and soggy couple days. :( (BA lost my luggage, but that's another story)

I also stayed at the Hotel Zandbergen, when the owner was Margaret. She was wonderful too. It seems the hotel is still great under the new owner, Henk. I am so glad to see a post from someone that stayed there. :)

I really did love the area of the hotel and the location and found the tram to be very convenient.

Somehow, I seem to have missed the pancakes, though

It makes me feel good that the trip report lives on and helps other travelers. It also makes me more excited for the next trip with my sis, leaving in 9 weeks to Paris and Vienna. We both had such a good time in Amsterdam that it was hard to decide not to go back.

hpeabody, we've exchanged emails and holiday greetings with Henk since our return. He continues to be every bit the gracious host...we will most definitely visit him again!

Your photos are beautiful! We are going next month, and we can't wait. Glad you had a great trip. Jennifer

I really like your trip report and photos. I printed it and put it in my travel binder. I plan to go to Amsterdam and Bruges in April 2010.

Wonderful trip report and gorgeous photos!

Do you have any more information about the Keukenhof Gardens? Prices, best time to visit, how to get there?

I will be leaving on a study abroad program in 50 days [eek!] and Amsterdam is our first stop. The Keukenhof Gardens are top on my list of must sees.

Thanks in advance for any information you can give me.

Bmk for Keukenhof

I had a great time there last spring. Here is a link to my journal and photos:

http://www.travelswithdiane.homestea...7Holland1.html

Diane

luvtotravel,

Thank you so much for linking your trip report as well! Seeing and reading about your experience with the Keukenhof Gardens only makes me more excited.

It was a delight to read that your trip to Amsterdam was over Queen's Day. In my upcoming trip, I will also experience Queen's Day while in Amsterdam. Your report has helped prepare me for all the orange. :)

a cafe of dreams...in case you didn't find it elsewhere, it is quite easy to get to the Keukenhof from Amsterdam. We took the train to Leiden and right outside the station are buses direct to the entrance to the Keukenhof. Enjoy your study abroad, Amsterdam is a wonderful city and what a great time of year to go!

Even quicker is to take a train to the airport and by bus from there.

Question for Amsterdam locals and lovers: How do you feel about the coffee shops? Do you tolerate or participate?