The Rijksmuseum is a world-famous national museum devoted to the art and culture of the Netherlands. Over 8000 objects are on display in the museum, with more than 2000 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, with works from famed Dutch masters such as Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Jan Steen. On our full day in Amsterdam, we headed to the Rijksmuseum to get some culture and appreciate Dutch art and history.
On a cloudy Tuesday near the sea, with seagulls squawking overhead, we headed to the National Monument Oranjehotel, Scheveningen's prison. About 25000 people were detained here during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. In this museum, the cells and artifacts tell stories of despair and pain, hope and perseverance. Trigger warning: This article discusses World War II history, which includes mentions of death, torture, and violence. I also discuss Hitler’s rise to power and the formation of a one-party state through legal means.
On our summer 2025 trip to London, we once again visited the British Museum. Spanning nearly the breadth of human history, the museum houses over 2 million artifacts- including some that involve controversy. This post contains updated photos, along with a brief synopsis of the controversy associated with the Parthenon sculptures.
On a short spring break trip to Paris, France, the Cranky Camper and Co visit some of the city's most famous and historic sights.
The fourth post in our Netherlands series sends us to Slot Loevestein. This medieval castle played a role in the defense of the Dutch Waterline up through World War II. We spent the day as a family, exploring the castle and the scenic towns surrounding it, while learning about its rich history.
The Cranky Camper 