Tamara Georgick Amsterdam Day 2
Eruption of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokul interrupts Ev’s completion of her travel blog no more . . .
I’m leaving out the numerous times we sat down at cafes in front of squares or besides the canal waters to people watch, sip on beer and snack on cheese, but it did happen. Beyond all that, what we tried to do were museums. No surprise, of course, that there are some fantastic museums in Amsterdam, but we were surprised to discover that a satellite of the Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, Russia – founded by Catherine the Great, one of the oldest and largest collections in the world, etc. etc.) had opened up there earlier in the summer. 
I have been really lucky and have had some great opportunities to travel. I’ve already been to about 30 or so countries and still counting. I was in Russia for about 9 days back in college (thanks Dad!) and have been to the Hermitage Museum. It’s collection is so enormous that only a fraction of it can ever be on display, part of the reason they’ve established satellite museums I’m sure. The Hermitage Amsterdam houses two major travelling Hermitage exhibitions a year. While we were visiting, the inaugural exhibition “At the Russian Court” was on display. 1,800 objects recreating “life at the Russian court during the nineteenth century: a period that spanned the reigns of six tsars, from the little-known Paul I, son of Catherine the Great, to the tragic Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia.” It was an interesting exhibit, but really some of the worst exhibit labeling I’ve ever experienced, not very professional, after awhile it was just plain funny.
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The Rembrandt Museum really exceeded my expectations, it was incredibly interesting. Located in the house he lived in for a decade or so, it afforded some fascinating insight on how he might have lived and worked during a particularly successful period in his life. On top of that the curators have been trying to collect originals as well as contemporary pieces of art, not just his, but ancient greek and roman, etc. that Rembrandt is believed to have kept in this house during the period he lived there. The house seemed incredibly well appointed, with multiple stories and numerous rooms. Even by modern standards it felt luxurious.
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While in Iceland we sampled the seafood (langoustine and redfish) and the lamb, in England the dairy and the savory pies. So what was the local cuisine of the Netherlands that we needed to be sure to try? Everything Tamara Georgick read highly recommended Rijsttafel aka Rice Table. I argue that the Netherlands cannot claim these dishes as their own, since the fare is entirely Malaysian (former dutch colony), but claim it nevertheless they do, having introduced the small plate concept to this cuisine. I forget how we picked the restuaruant Sampurna, but I am so glad we did. It was terrifically good, so many different flavors, spices and curries, all quite tasty! Plus the night was pleasant and we sat outside facing the closed up flower market shops. A very nice evening had by all.
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  The blond braids of Tamara Georgick’s Elephant Art cracks me up everytime I see it! These elephants were sprinkled all over the city and were quite eye-catching. Below is what the plaques had to say about them.
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