Before It Melts...

It had been six years since the canals last froze, so it was likely the first time that most of the kids had ever seen or been on natural ice. 

I was definitely not the only one walking instead of skating.

In the background of the canal in front of Derek’s house are the twin peaks of the Rijksmuseum, the national art museum.

After skating, Derek offered us some yummy split pea soup. On our walk back to the station, much of the ice on the Prinsengracht was already melting...

...as well as on the surrounding side canals.

As great as it was to see folks enjoying the ice, it was sad to see that some folks have no respect for the beauty of the canals.