Amsterdam

The morning began with chocolate croissants, potatoes, bacon, and tea (wouldn't it be nice if these magically appeared at home about 7:30 every morning?), followed by an “enrichment talk” on Contemporary Netherlands from a local expert. There are so many cruise ships heading to Amsterdam that they are only allowed to dock for 48 hours, so the Amadeus was moored somewhere on the outskirts of the city (Ijmuiden?) and we took a bus to Oud-Zuid (Old-South), the Museum Quarter neighborhood, and parked in an underground garage, perhaps made for tour buses.  Everyone eagerly clambered onto four canal boats, each with its own guide. The day was chilly and initially gray so we were glad of the partial roof that could completely cover the boat if it began to rain.

France 2021, Day 3

Every day in France should be a chocolate croissant day – and today was! After breakfast, we took advantage of our two-day unlimited Metro pass and headed off to the Musée D’Orsay.