Rembrandt to Beethoven

We've been busy the past few weeks.

First off, we've been exploring Germany and the big thing this time of year - Christmas Markets! We've paid visits to Hildesheim, Hameln (Pied Piper land), Quedlinburg (in the Harz Mts), Braunschweig, Siegburg, Bonn and Köln. Wow! We've had our fair share, but there's still more to go...

We just returned from several days in the Netherlands. We loved Amsterdam despite getting completely lost on several occasions! Took canal tour, visited Anne Frank's house and the Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt, etc.) and tried not to drink too much "coffee".

Our home base was in Veenendaal, where we reconnected with some of Alyssa's relatives, the Baak's. We enjoyed spending time with them - learning all about korfball, Dutch culture and foods. Visits to an outdoor Dutch Folk Museum (complete with ice skating) and train museum in Utrecht (fun for all) rounded out our stay.

Next, we ventured to Buschoven (near Bonn, Germany) to visit with our cousin Imke and her family. Did the Beethoven thing and visited the Federal Republic museum. Also, took a trip to Köln to see the cathedral. Siegburg has supplied our favorite Christmas Market thus far - all candlelit with a medieval theme.

Photos are up. Next on the agenda: reunion with the Heine clan...