I've been a bit busy to do the blog as it's Graduation time, and the reason for my trip to Europe. My daughter is now Dr Anne Wyllie PhD. All our family have gathered here for this auspicious occasion and I've been pretty busy with functions and get together. However, we did have time on Wednesday for a visit to the Botanical Gardens which happened to be over the road from our hotel...
I'm pretty pleased with my phone camera for doing lovely shots of butterflies. Although I did take my macro lens over as well...
After the Botanical gardens, we went back to the hotel and got changed into some good clothes. Then Nikki and Vivie spent the afternoon wandering the shops in Amsterdam, while I read my book in a cafe. I wasn't in the mood for shopping! From the shops we caught the tram down to Anne and Michel's apartment where everyone got together for a big BBQ. Everyone who had come in from all over was there, including a surprise from my friend Erin who now lives in Germany. I hadn't realised she was coning to the graduation! Even my Mum cried when she saw Erin!
The following day we caught the train down to Utrecht where Anne's graduation was held. We wandered around having a look at the cathedral, then went down to the Stahl Cafe where we had lunch and a flat white. Utrecht is as always, a beautiful town...
The Cathedral is big, but was twice as big in the 1600s before it was attacked by a tornado and split in half! It was never rebuilt, so the tower stands alone then a big square, and then the cathedral! Still very impressive though.
Next to the Cathedral is the Cloisters with the entrance to this next door. The building next to it is where Anne graduated, and afterwards we had drinks in the Cloisters which was lovley.
Anne's defence was challenging and some challenging discussion ensued, but she was very nervous (understandably). In New Zealand the defence happens behind closed doors, so for us, it was very special to see.
After the defence, the professors filed out to deliberate, and as you can see, the relief on Anne's face was obvious! It was all over!
After the dirnks at the Cloisters we all climbed into a boat for an hours boat ride around Utrecht where we drank copious champagne/beer/wine and talked to everyone. I managed a few photos but not many as I was too busy socialising!
And then it was a fabulous dinner in Utrecht and a party. Anne's lab had made up a hilarious video of her life in Amsterdam. I'm hoping to get a copy for home to show friends. It was the funniest thing I have ever watched!
The next day - Vivie headed back to Greece first thing in the morning, and after Breakfast, Nikki and I packed our bags and then caught a Uber to Anne's apartment. We sat around talking, then Michel organised a boat for two hours around the Amsterdam Canals. It was beautiful...
Here's all of us on the boat...
And some of the sights...
Michel pointing out this building and telling us what it was (I can't remember!)
A three storied bike park. However do you find your bike?
More modern buildings - the white one is a movie museum.
Pretty bridges over canals...
After the boat ride we had some drinks in a lovely park... I got a photo of everyone before they sat down..
Dinner at an Indian restaurant then back to the apartment. I was asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow!
Today Nikki and I headed down to Gouda to try some cheese...
I tried the Marijuana one. It tasted like.... Cheese. and I didn't feel any different!
After the Gouda we trained to Rotterdam to look at the archtecture...
And had a beautiful lunch at Markethal (Market Hall).
Walked around afterwards enjoying the sunshine...
Loved the malll that goes both above and below the street, but is still open..
Nikki showing how perfect we both are!
And then back to Central Station in Rotterdam to catch the train back to Amsterdam. Quick trip to supermarket on way home to pick up dinner. Another sightseeing day tomorrow!
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