Some Art and Raw--Yes Raw!--Fish

Goededag!
A cool, wet morning, but at this time of year rain is rather a treat for me.  As I walked down my street I inhaled deeply—of the scent of fresh baked bread from the bakeries.  What did you think I meant?

Time for some art!  Three museums are on the agenda.  I took the scenic route down Herrengracht with (ahem) a few side trips to poke around street markets. I use the term scenic route advisedly.  As I proceeded down the street—and I was nowhere near the Red Light District—my eye caught a basement apartment lit in red with the “working girl” in the window--covering the day shift, I guess.  Taken aback hardly describes my reaction especially since she was using the same name as one of my former students.

I was well armed with my umbrella and stout shoes not to mention my Museum Karte.  I paid not a penny further in admission fees.  The card I got covers the whole of the Netherlands and is good for one year.  A specific Amsterdam card exists as well, which will also give the holder a public transport pass and other city discounts.
When you come to Amsterdam please note that bicycles usually have the right of way.  They often do not even stop at red lights.  Sometimes motorcycles don’t either.  Stay alert!

Tourists have started asking me for directions.  As I carry a map, sometimes I can actually be helpful.

The first stop was the Bible Museum.  I mostly went to see the interior of a ritzy canal house but ended up being impressed by the some of the exhibits and the lovely garden.  The antiquities on offer are very interesting and there are also some recreated period rooms, which I always like.  An exhibit of biblical herbs and spices will let the visitor experience the scents prevalent in biblical times. I continued down Herrengracht and crossed the river Amstel to the Amsterdam Hermitage.  The great Russian museum loans the Amsterdam branch some of its excess.  You have to like Russian art, which I do, and the presentation is excellent.  Walking back down Herrensgracht, I dropped in to the Museum Willet-Holthusysen.  This was a patrician mansion owned by a husband and wife who were notable art collectors.  The house and garden are worth seeing just on their own account, but I also enjoyed the collection of furniture and paintings.  The lady of the house liked dogs and cats, which feature prominently in the artwork.  I especially liked the semi circular room at the back of the house over looking the garden.  What a nice place had I the power to entertain my readers to tea!

As your senior appetite correspondent I hold it my duty to taste and report.  Ice cream, chocolate, cheese are all on my agenda.  Raw fish?  Er not so much. Apparently one of the highlights of the Dutch year is the appearance of new herring in June.  New as in raw.  Trying it is one of those ultimate Amsterdam experiences, but  although I have a pilgrim soul, I also have a squeamish stomach.  Nevertheless, I like fish, and I am willing to try things, so I went to a stand where a motherly Dutch lady took my order for a Haring Brodje or herring sandwich.  Two fillets come on a hot dog bun with pickles and onions.  This is herring for the timid of tongue. The Dutch take their fish straight and lower it into their gullets with no messing around with feeble buns etc.  Smells ok.  Let’s take a bite.  Hey!  It’s mild and not fishy at all.  Yes, there’s a bit of raw fish texture, but it’s good or Lekker as we Dutch say—tasty.  I’ll have another some time.  The pickles and onion suit me just fine washed down with my new favorite Grolsch Kanon.  The Netherlands beats Belgium this time!  It’s very rich tasting with the sweetness of wheat beer but deeper hops?  Is that what I’m tasting?  It’s good anyway.

Dag!