The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land — Luna Leopold
Coyote Gulch’s Excellent European Adventure Day 7
“The Milkmaid” (Dutch: Het Melkmeisje) by Johannes Vermeer, created around 1657–1658. It is one of Vermeer’s most iconic works, depicting a domestic kitchen maid pouring milk in a quiet, intimate moment. The painting is renowned for its exquisite use of light, texture, and detail, capturing the serenity and dignity of everyday life.The Milkmaid (1658–1661). By Johannes Vermeer – Google Arts & Culture — AHrw. Z3. Av6. Zhjg 9. AHrw. Z3. Av6. Zhjg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13408941
We visited the Rijks Museum yesterday to take in the works of Dutch Golden Age painting, particularly Vermeer and Rembrandt, painters that I’ve heard about. At the Salvador Dali Museum the other day Vermeer was named as an influence. What a treat to be able to view so many beautiful and inspiring works of art in one location.
“The Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild” (Dutch: De Staalmeesters) by Rembrandt van Rijn, completed in 1662. It is housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and is one of Rembrandt’s most celebrated group portraits. The painting depicts five drapers and their servant as they assess the quality of cloth, giving a glimpse into the civic and commercial life of 17th-century Amsterdam.
We rented electric bicycles for the journey from out hotel to the museum. Of course I had read about bicycle-friendly Amsterdam but seeing the sheer number of folks on bicycles was fantastic. Moms with children on their bicycles and riding beside them, a seemingly endless stream of bicycles up and down the bikes lanes that lined nearly every thoroughfare, along with a good number of electric bicycles of all types.
Rented electric bicycles near our hotel May 29, 2025.
