Out and about in Amsterdam

We started off at the Amsterdam Museum. It used to be the Museum of History but like the London Museum, they changed the name to keep from driving people away. I think its because people have't been to museums lately to see how they've changed. Multi-media, user-friendly, interactive, story-telling, fabulous places to spend a day is how I'd describe the museums I've seen lately. We learned so much so painlessly this morning. I highly recommend it.
The afternoon was a chance to try out Amsterdam trams. Amsterdam has no subways (they'd have to be submarines) so these electric vehicles travel on tracks down the middle of main streets and are a great way to be able to see block after block of iconic Dutch architecture, the canals and life in the city. It was a cold, rainy grey day today and we wanted to cover a lot of ground so it was perfect.

Interactive displays and videos in first gallery

Floor lit with ancient maps 

Ruffs up close - meters of silk starched and wound around metal spokes to dry. Lasted about 50 years.

Amsterdam Museum courtyard - building is former monastery and orphanage.

CityLab - with activities for children (and Grandpa's)