Beautiful Amsterdam...

Jimmy had arranged for a late check-out so he could continue working on his special project at the W Hotel, so I had a lot of time to wander around and spot some more beautiful Dutch buildings. 

 

Maritime Museum...

I went to the Maritime Museum and was especially impressed with the incredible images in the special exhibit called Rising Tide, but also highly alarmed by this major wake-up call that climate change is an unstoppable force that can only be slowed down.

I was also very impressed with the ability to get up close to the Royal Barge, which was off display for eight years until this purpose-built boathouse was built in 2015. Neptune and his three horses symbolize the greatness of the head of state and also of a safe journey. 

Built in 1818, it wasn’t used for the first time until 1841 for the inauguration of King Willem II. It was used around 30 times for state visits and other official occasions. It was last used during the 25th wedding anniversary celebration for Queen Juliana and Prince Bernard in 1962. 

I also quickly visited the replica of the Dutch East Indiaman Ship...

…and noticed that the harbor next door had been roped off for the Marine Terrain outdoor swimming spot.

After visiting the museum, I walked through the area behind the museum which used to be military property but is now a public space. There were big circles drawn on the grass so folks would know where they could stand or sit while socially distanced from others. 

This side entrance to the museum is only accessible by employees. 

Across the water, I found these lovely murals.

…and these cool waterfront mini-greenhouses that made international news as an innovative and safe way to serve restaurant guests.  
 

W Hotel Amsterdam...

I tagged along for Jimmy’s meeting with the General Manager of the W Hotel near Dam Square, which was held in the lobby on the 6th floor of the Exchange Building, the old Royal Dutch Post communication center dating from 1925.

The views from the lobby, which is also a bar, were pretty spectacular. Here’s the back of Dam Palace...

…and the view down the street.

There’s also a rooftop pool...

…which looks very cool at night. 

The General Manager allowed us to check into our room (courtesy of Jimmy’s business partner, Peter) extra early so that Jimmy could work on a special project.

While Jimmy hunkered down, I explored the city without him. 

First up, I went to the building that our room overlooked: the former Amsterdam Post Office built in 1899.

After major renovations, Magnum Plaza Shopping Center opened in the old post office in 1992. The interior was definitely impressive, but the shops were mostly geared towards tourists.

Although the restaurants were all closed, so I couldn’t get close to the upper windows, it was funny to be able to see Jimmy from afar. That evening, we had a picnic dinner in our room and then went to the spa in the bank vaults located in the basement of the hotel’s other building, the old KAS Bank Headquarters built in 1915. 

 

Back to Empty Amsterdam...

A few days later, Jimmy and I headed back up to Amsterdam for a business project he was working on. 

It was so unusual to see Amsterdam Centraal Station without the usual crowds. 

It was still early and everything was pretty sleepy...

…including the National Monument to the dead from World War II, erected in 1956...

…and Dam Square, in front of Dam Palace...

…where I spotted this ambitious sign. 

A more common sign was a reminder to keep distance from others. 

 

Sunrise at Museumplein...

On their final morning in Amsterdam, Veronica and Brett woke up early to take some sunrise photos of the Rijksmuseum...

…under the Rijksmuseum...

…and in front of the Rijksmuseum. 

 

Time for Art...

Veronica was excited to share some fantastic Dutch art with Brett. They visited the Van Gogh Museum...

…and the Rijksmuseum, which was conducting a special analysis in front of the public of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch called Operation Night Watch. One of their tasks was to take the largest and most detailed photo of the painting, which can be seen here. 

I also love this photorealistic painting, In the Month of July by Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriel in 1889. 

 

Cycling to Amsterdam...

Veronica and Brett decided to avoid public transport and cycled 30 miles (50 kilometers) instead to Amsterdam for a two-night stay. 

Of course, they couldn’t pass up stopping for a windmill pic...

…or a chance for Veronica to practice some aerial tricks.

They were thrilled to find an eco-friendly hotel...

…near Museumplein. 

The weather was great so it was easy for them to eat all of their meals outdoors.