Amsterdam - Day 4 EYE Institute and Nieuwmarkt

Our last full day in Amsterdam, having finally gotten over my jetlag, I was able to step out before breakfast to catch the canals before the sun got too high in the sky.  It was worth the effort as the canals looked quite different and there were nice reflections in the water.  

We then took the ferry over to see the EYE Film Institute, architecturally stunning, both outside and inside.  The free ferry was a totally new concept for us, but makes so much sense!  Bike and pedestrian traffic flowed smoothly on and off the ferry without the logjams created by gates of one kind or another.  It was commuting heaven!  The Institute was in between gallery exhibits although there were permanent exhibits on the history of film among others.  But the architecture alone was worth the trip.

We returned to Central in the afternoon and finally located Chinatown, very close to the Red Light District.  We missed it on our first day there but it was easy to miss - it was not a very distinct area.  We hung out in Nieuwmarkt Square people watching until it's time for our dinner reservation at La Stage, a one Michelin star restaurant on the nearby canal.  It was a great way to wrap up our Amsterdam stay.   If you would like to read about this food experience, please visit Food Sparks, the food blog.

The following day, we waved goodbye to Amsterdam from the deck of our cruise ship as it left the harbour and went through the lock that let us out to the open sea.  Bruges would be our first stop.

Morning on the canal - like a painting

The Flower market revisited

There was a totally different feel to the canals with their mirrored calmness in the morning

No surprise - the wedding bike!

The stunning EYE Institute on the other side of the canal

The free ferry that took us across the canal

The EYE Film Institute - outside and in





Stunning stairs that take you to a seating area that totally reminded me of the Ryerson Learning Centre here in Toronto

A multi-storey parking lot for bikes near the waterfront!

Tunnel from the waterfront to Central

Swan parade on the canal near Chinatown

Office party on the canal

Temple in Chinatown

Hanging out in Nieumarkt Square, watching the bikes and people go by 

Taking advantage of the wifi outside the restaurants

Vaarwell, Amsterdam!