the light in Amsterdam

It’s Rembrandt’s light — somehow subdued and luminous at the same time. The last time we were here, in 2010, our friends took us along the Amstel River on bicycles to see some of the places Rembrandt sketched. Trees over dark water with sunlight filtering through. Grey stones washed with watery light. Swans turning their elegant necks this way, and that. Now those friends are getting married tomorrow and we are delighted to be invited to celebrate with them. (There are rumours of champagne and oysters. And dancing…)

This is the view from the little balcony off our room looking out on the Amstel.