After we collected our suitcase at Schiphol Airport, I finally got to meet Thea, Rob and Imca. Thea gave us this beautiful bouquet of wooden tulips to welcome us to the Netherlands.
We went to their house in Haarlem for a visit, then they drove us to our hotel, the Amrath Grand Hotel Frans Hals (Frans Hals being a painter who lived from 1582-1666 in Haarlem). The hotel is in the old city centre, which is only accessible by foot or by bicycle, although taxis and delivery vehicles have a special pass to allow them past the barriers. This is the view out our hotel room window. In the background is St.-Bevokerk, also known as the Grote Kerk (Big Church), built in the 1400's.
After we got settled, we went for a walk around the old city centre. This is the church (which is huge!) from a different angle.
Some examples of the architecture.
After dinner we strolled around the town some more, taking in the sights. These bicycles were parked across the street from our hotel, in front of the new courthouse. We learned to watch out for cyclists, they are silent, they are everywhere, and they move very quickly!
The view from one of the bridges just outside the old town.
The weather was great, crisp and fresh. We had an early night, as it was a long two days.
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