Today was our first full day with our Road Scholar group. Our guide gave us a short history of the Netherlands lecture (1.5 hours) with PowerPoint and while it covered a lot of material it did hit the major events. ( Glad there wasn't a test after, however). Any discussion of history inevitably reminds me that things just keep repeating themselves... It's about power, control, money fame, ego, pride, etc.
Frans is quite knowledgeable and easy to understand, thankfully.
He then introduced us to Max, an expert on the architecture and art of the city. Max gave us a walking tour and pointed out curiosities and historical facts about the buildings. We walked through various neighborhoods and along canals & the river. It was nice to walk around but we also had to stand a lot & it became very chilly. The weather has been unexpectedly cold and today was quite gloomy, with a few light bits of rain. We really hope the weather is better on the river trip ...or it may not be quite the trip we hoped for.
After lunch we were on our own. I wanted to see the floating flower market but it turned out to be a waste of time. The shops along the river sold bulbs and kitch and nothing of interest. A disappointment.
But then we went to the Hermitage museum where there is a fantastic exhibit about the fall of the Romanovs. The way the information was displayed was very special--- made you feel you were there, with music, art and history woven together. The focus was on Czar Alexander and his heir --- the very ill- fated Nicholas and his family. It was a most interesting unfolding of this tale.
Merle & I were cold & tired so we opted to have dinner not far from the hotel-- at a Malasian restaurant. Nice. Wish Roger could have had their yummy coconut ice cream!
We had to pack up, for tomorrow our bags are sent to our boat while be go to museums. Then when we head to the boat in the afternoons, our bags will already be there.
Time for nite nite.😬💤
J
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