For our first few days in Ireland, we didn’t have to worry about directions, attractions or food. We were quite spoiled. After spending a whole day in Amsterdam, we felt much more comfortable navigating where we wanted to go, how we wanted to get there and how to manage our day.
Our first stop was the Van Gogh museum. They have a great treasure map for kids which kept Leah and Joel engaged throughout the visit. Pictures aren’t allowed in most of the museum but it was a great way to spend the morning and we will remember it fondly in our minds.
In some places we stack rocks on top of each other, in other places they place rocks in trees.
One of the museums here.
We rode on a double decker bus. Joel was quite pleased once we got these seats and declared himself the driver.
Since Joel loves emergency vehicles, I thought I’d try take a picture of some in different countries. Here is an ambulance and a police car.
We also passed by an old windmill.
After our bus tour we found ourselves close to Vondel Park so we decided to walk through. It’s natural beauty and walking and bike paths remind me of Stanley Park. The kids spotted a cool bird in a tree. You might have to click on the picture to enlarge it so you can see it.
We stopped at a restaurant for bitterballen and found a playground amongst the tables. The kids had a blast. They encourage cycling young here.
On the other side of the restaurant away from the playground you could also dine by this pond/river.
This style of housing reminds me of all the talk and skinny new townhouses going up in Langley and Surrey.
We walked home and got to walk by average streets and businesses away from the touristy part of town. Every bike rack you pass is brimming full of bikes. I loved walking down the street and looking in the windows of all the shops.
Morgan has done all the grocery shopping so far until today. We all went together and it was interesting to see how things are packaged, the variety of items and the pricing. I was excited when I found these.
We are staying in a pretty Dutch neighbourhood. Our table mates the first evening doubted the restaurant would have an English menu. It’s neat to stay among the locals and see how they do life. I’m surprised at the diversity here though I would imagine it is less so as you leave the city centre.