An hour away by train, the old center of Delft is a pretty, sedate version of Amsterdam with quiet canals, attractive storefronts, and inviting cafes but without all the hustle and bustle of the big city. Simply charming.

I visited the Oude Kerk (Old Church, the present iteration dating from 1246 and the resting place of Vermeer) and markt square, the Nieuwe kerk (“new” church but still dating from 1381! and the resting place of Dutch royalty), and finally the Vermeer museum. No originals there but they did display copies of all 35 of his known works in chronological order so it was fun to see how many I recognized / had seen in person before.

To round out my Rembrandt ……..I took another train the short distance to Den Haag (The Hague) to visit the Mauritshuis, a state museum founded by William I in 1816.

They’re also having a Rembrandt retrospective, putting on display all their pictures by him. Additionally, the museum has some stellar other pieces such as the Girl With A Pearl Earring, and A View Of Delft by Vermeer and some great Hans Holbeins. The building too was a treat to walk through, it originally was a private home so the rooms are small and elegantly decorated with silk wall coverings and crystal chandeliers.

Back in Amsterdam the work week was finished and everybody seemed to be out on the streets or on the canals enjoying the beautiful evening. Boats of all sizes from long tourist boats to small putt-putt boats were out for a cocktail cruise. It was fun to see everyone having a good time.