So we arrived in Dusseldorf on Wednesday around noon.  Easy train ride to the city center.  Stored luggage at the central train station and took off for several museums.  Those of you who are familiar with our goofiness know that we are working on seeing as many paintings from the book "1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die." There are 2 in Dusseldorf.  Long story, short, we spotted one immediately and were thrilled.  The second painting was in a museum that had water damage and the was closed, but of course we did not know this until after we bought our tickets. After a few rounds of discussion with the ticket guy we left and gave our unused tickets to a couple entering as we were leaving. 
Back to the train station and headed to Cologne with a years worth of luggage.  Thank goodness it was only a short trip cause we had to stand.  The Cathedral at Cologne is right ourside the central train station and is really magnificient.  Luckily our hotel was right behind the cathedral. Great place Hotel Senats..big room, spotless, very modern.  Out to dinner at a German Brahaus where they keep bringing the beer...very yummy.  They only serve .2L glasses, so one can drink many of those little glasses. Ray had sausage special with fried potatoes and a bucket of slaw and I had a wonderful pork loin with beer sauce and also the fried potatoes and my own bucket of slaw. (Burp)!
Next morning headed for the next museum and got 2 of 2 paintings YES!! Headed to the cathedral.  Ray walked the 500+ steps to the dome and I just waited on the grounds and did some serious people watching.
Time to leave Cologne and head to our final destination, Amsterdam.  3 hour train ride through scenery that looked a lot like Illinois.  Our friend met us at the station and sped us off to our apartment which has the best location one can imagine.  First of all we are above a large shopping center, so food, drink and whatever else one needs is one or two flights below. We are walking distance to anything in Amsterdam.  Apartment is big and airy with great outdoor space. 
Out to dinner with Jim and Nanny to one of their favorite cafes.  More great beer and food.  I had the Palm Royale which is 7.5% alcohol and wowie it was nice.  Ice cream on the way home at a place I can see from my balcony.  Doesn't get dark until at least 11:30 so we will be night owls.
Friday morning out to do some grocery shopping and get a sim card for my phone so we can be connected when we are out. Rest of the day just hanging out at home.  May go watch the Cubbies play tonight at a local bar.  I am sure there will be folks from Chicago there.  Maybe we won't go.
So far so good.....much more to follow.