Day 16 Amsterdam –Sunny, but very cold wind

8.6 kms of walking

A “marginally“better night’s sleep. I was being kind to myself so no alarm clocks But I was surprised when I woke at 8:15. My throat was sore, red and yucky. Obviously I was going to need a chemist today. I had a much better breakfast with my own gf porridge (add boiling water and stir and it tastes “almost” like it has been microwaved) plus my own rice cakes.

Caught the tram, but this time stopped at a chemist two stops away and explained my throat. Got more tablets to suck and some nasal spray. Back on the tram to the station and then a walk to Museum Ons Lieve Heer op Solder. I loved it. Not just because it was one of the hidden house Catholic Churches, but the great commentary pod casts available and the way they have painstakingly reproduced the exact home of the 17th century. Although you were not allowed to be a practising Catholic or anything other than the official church, the Dutch didn’t openly persecute those of different faiths, as long as it was private. Hence churches set up in the third/fourth/ fifth floors. Fabulous just being able to walk through/ up and down it. Definitely NOT for those with bad knees or hips because of all the very steep steps.

My next visit was to be the Oude Kirke. Walked down there - closed until May 23 for renovations!

Instead I meandered through the squares and over bridges and canals making my way towards my afternoon tour at 2pm at the Jewish Museum. However on my way I spotted a café which had a sign “gluten free available”. I ordered the pasta pollo (Pasta with chicken and mushrooms) It might have taken a while to cook (obviously fresh) but was delicious and I almost demolished the entire large bowl. €14 pasta and tea.

Next stop the Jewish museum to find the guide. I’d booked “the Jewish Quarter Anne Frank walking tour” online based on the mention of the Jewish Museum, the Spanish Synagogue, Anne Frank’s House.  Yes they were all mentioned in the tour and yes we walked past each one, but we didn’t enter any of them!  The actual tour description was more accurate: “walk through Amsterdam with a professional guide that shows Amsterdam during WW2 through the eyes of Anne Frank” 

I was not the only one to have been confused and while the guide was really good and very knowledgeable, I consequently missed seeing places that were on my “must see” list.

From the end of the tour at Anne Frank’s house, I walked back to Dam Square to catch the tram back to the hotel. By now my throat had reached a new plateau in pain. It hurt to breathe through my nose, swallowing felt like razor blades going down and hurt my ears to do so. I was definitely reaching for the anti- biotics I had bought.

However a slight issue when I entered my room. The rubbish bag was on my desk and nothing else had been done, which was very unusual. As I was going down in the lift I met a member of staff. He immediately came up to my room to check and offered me another room, or free breakfast or a wine. I only wanted fresh towels! But I got a fee drink of ginger ale.