More Treasures Of Amsterdam

Sunday morning we visited the wonderful Van Gogh Museum. The paintings are inspiring, full of unique movement, rhythms and brilliant colors. One also always learns more about the tragic life of this great genius. After an hour at the museum we headed to the Concert Gebouw, Amsterdam's famed and revered concert hall to hear the Dusseldorf Symphony, led by a vibrant young Frenchman, Alexandre Bloch. The program was all Tchaikovsky, his violin concerto and "Romeo And Juliet" overture. As usual, his moody Russian melodies soared. A young Russian soloist, Elena Baeva, poured energy and delicacy into her playing. Since we sat on the podium near the orchestra we enjoyed the orchestra's energy more than if we had been in the orchestra seats. After lunch on Rembrandt Square, and a rest at the hotel, we visited the modern Jewish Historical Museum. The most interesting part of this complex is the restored Great Synagogue with its monumental ark and beautiful old silver Menorah. For dinner we dined at another Dutch restaurant, The Herrengracht, which is located on the canal by the same name, as is our hotel. - Dan