Today's schedule didn't have much free time in it, so I let our guide, Jesse, know about my plan to opt out of the walking tour in order to visit the Van Gogh Museum - a "must see" for me.  He pointed out a vendor near the Anne Frank House where I could buy my ticket to avoid lines at the museum, then we set a meeting time and place for me to re-join the group for our visit to the Rijksmusem.  After touring the Anne Frank House, it was a short walk to catch the cross-town tram for my date with Vincent - I was not disappointed with my choice!

                                            

Our Rijksmuseum guide, Marianne, made a big impact on my understanding and appreciation of the great art that we viewed.  She pointed out and explained facets of the various artworks that I never would have noticed or even thought about on my own - a nice tour bonus.

 

What better way to say "Tot ziens" to Amsterdam than a canal cruise before heading back to Haarlem for a free evening and dinner with a few new friends.  It sure didn't take long for our group of 26 strangers to start getting to know each other!