We decided today would be museum day. It turned out to be the warmest yet with the temperature up to 26C eventually. Still chilly early though.

We caught the tram to a cafe near Vondelpark for brunch. Actually we started off in the wrong direction so had to exit at the first stop and turn around. We also failed to get out the doors at the correct stop so had a brisk walk back and then along to where Craig had reserved us a table at Staring at Jacob (which turns out to be on the corner of van Jacob St).

The menu was excellent – very much like you’d see on a brunch menu in a good NZ cafe. Salmon and poached egg on avocado smash for me and eggs bene with potato rosti for Craig and Mike.

After brunch we walked to Vondelpark which is the largest park in Amsterdam. It’s rather lovely and had loads of people there, many enjoying picnics.

After a brief walk through the park (I’d have stayed longer) it was off to the modern art museum (Stedelijk Museum) which is just next door to the Van Gogh museum. The Stedelijk Museum is itself modern and had 2 special exhibitions and then some of its permanent collection. We enjoyed the permanent collection, which had everything from Picasso and Mondrian to Van Gogh and Matisse.

Not so much the other exhibitions which were altogether too apocalyptic for us, especially on a lovely spring day.

We decided against the Van Gogh museum as the queues were long and he’s not a favourite anyway. Instead we went to the MOCO museum which is another modern art museum. Loved it there. It’s got collections over 4 floors with a current exhibition of pieces by Banksy.

The other artworks were also great and we were glad we went. 

We found a small bar nearby that was just opening and had a couple of beers. I was actually feeling quite dehydrated – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. Glad we got there when we did as the local senior community quickly turned up and there were literally no seats to spare on the pavement outside where there was a collection of 4 or 5 tables and about 30 people.

Eventually we vacated and made our way back to the apartment to change for dinner. Craig had booked us at a North African restaurant south of here, called Bazaar. We took the tram 12 stops and had a short walk and there we were. It was pretty full with loads of locals and great food. Very large portions for good prices. I had a tuna and prawn shish kebab and Mike and Craig had the equivalent with minced lamb and veal. Yum and very filling.

We got home at 10ish and I was totally ready for bed – and slept well!!