History 101
World's worst trip?
Bad choice of destination? Poor accommodations?
No amenities? Unfriendly people?
Our miserable unwilling traveler had, however, just one good thing.
An enormous stomach for the unexpected.
And so it was, he ended up making the most famous trip in human history.
Museum update: Amsterdam
If you find yourself in the wonderful city of Amsterdam (and you should), head for one of the newest cultural hubs there, the Hermitage Amsterdam, opened in June 2009. We just came back from a visit and saw a terrific exhibit, “The Immortal Alexander the Great.”
As the museum name implies, selected objects from the incredible Hermitage stash in St. Petersburg, Russia, are transported to Amsterdam to mount two exhibitions each year.
“The Immortal Alexander the Great” remains open until 18 March 2011. Next up: “Splendor and Glory: Art of the Russian Orthodox Church,” from 19 March to 16 September 2011. The show illustrates 10 centuries of exceptional Russian art using more than 300 religious artifacts representing the ancient mystical and artistic traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Hermitage Amsterdam
Amstel 51
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel.: (0) 20-530-74-88
www.hermitage.nl
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays to 8 p.m.
Museum Café Restaurant Neva is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.to 1 a.m., Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Museum closed on January 1 and December 25
And speaking of museums, Amsterdam has another little treasure in its Museum of Bags and Purses, a privately owned collection of 4,000 bags, pouches, cases, purses, and accessories from the Middle Ages to the present day. Even if you are not a fashionista, a visit here is recommended. The collection is thoughtfully displayed in a magnificent canal house built in 1664 right in the heart of old Amsterdam.
Have a look, then sit yourself down for a cup of tea or coffee and a treat in one of the museum café’s gorgeous rooms.
Museum of Bags and Purses
Herengracht 573
1017 CD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: (0) 20-524-64-52
www.museumofbagsandpurses.com
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum café open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Museum closed 1 January, 30 April, and 25 December