Utrecht, Gouda and Amsterdam
Going to Amsterdam last summer 2025 was bittersweet. I was happy because I was returning to a country I loved visiting. On the other hand, it was sad too because we only had two full days left in our vacation and our European trip was over. I certainly was grateful to have visited all the places that we went to. Dresden, Sans Souci, Reykjavik, Tirana, Kruja, Durres, and Warsaw were all to us. Anyway, it was both our fourth trip to the Netherlands. We had already seen quite a lot of the country from all our previous visits and this time we wanted to see cities we hadn't been to yet. Thus, it was Utretch and Gouda next. Of course we couldn't possibly leave without visiting Amsterdam.
I never knew that Amsterdam had a Chinatown. I never saw one during my two month stay decades ago nor during ourmore recent visits to the city. Anyway, it was a wonderful discovery. Now we know where to go should we have a hankering for Chinese food in Amsterdam.
Look who's happy to be back!
How Amsterdam Central has changed over the years! A lot I must say!
Art installation right by a mall in Utretcht
On our first full day in the Netherlands, we just had to check out the shopping street in Zaandam once again. I just couldn't get over how lovely the architecture of the Innhotel was! Truly a gem of a building.
If I recall correctly, this was inside the cathedral in Utrecht which we checked out and visited. I don't recall having to pay any admission.
A mural inside the Utrecht Cathedral
A quiet corner and small altar inside the Utrecht Cathedral. I have to say, churches and cathedrals in Northern Europe are a complete opposite of those in Spain and Portugal.
This was the beautiful coat of arms of one school we passed by. Lovely, eh!
A beautiful tiled mural somewhere in Utrecht
Of course, the Netherlands wouldn't be the Netherlands without cheese.
A quiet hallway inside the Utrecht Cathedral
A partial view of Utrecht Cathedral
I have to say, I love Dutch buildings!!! Taken in Utrecht.
Souvenir magnets. I have yet to visit a country which doesn't sell fridge magnets. They are everywhere!
We passed by Gouda on our wayback to Zaandam on our first day back to the Netherlands.
In front of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. I still wonder when I'll get to visit this palace. I've only seen it fro the outside in all my visits to the Netherlands.
The Cathedral in Gouda
Back in Amsterdam with a view of one of its numerous canals. I remember passing by some residential areas which were very quiet and peaceful. It was so nice from the tourist areas ni the city which were just overpopulated and crowded.
I cannot tell you how many times I've been to Amsterdam Central. Back during the years of my youth, I stayed in the Netherlands for two months and lived in Leiden. I did come to Amsterdam on a daily basis as I fell in love with the hustle and bustle of the city.
I initially thought this artwork was a collage made of thrown away candy wrappers and bottles. Was I wrong! It was an oil painting! I really liked it. It was the price of the piece that made me change my mind. Perhaps one day when I become a millionaire, I can.