Amsterdam - the surprising and beautiful

After doing the business side of the trip, it was time to immerse myself in the atmosphere and heritage. For this, I expected the unexpected - and I wasn't disappointed.

Over the next few days, there was

• a canal tour, observing the city's special architecture from where it was designed to be functional;

• Rijksmuesum - much as expected (wonderful masters, including Vermeers - drool, drool) until you turn a corner and something amazing  appears. Like the attached picture. Only a small timber sculpture from the 17th century, but wonderfully done in such exquisite detail showing the subject off beautifully.

• multiple small contemporary galleries - and just like home are hit & miss ... some wonderful, some ho hum. But inspiration won out hands down.

• freezing rain & wind - was a bit rough one day, but the rest was actually quite pleasant (for me)

• and as a finale, an old friend took me on a tour of some of their ocean heritage - truly breathtaking how clever these Dutch have been!

Now, it is time to road trip down to Belgium, and to search some important family history.