9th – 10th July: -

Hoi from Amsterdam

Well I have to say I have been a bit remiss in keeping this up to date, however I will endeavour to get my ass into gear as it was politely put to me recently....
Amsterdam has been a definite highlight for me and I will be back sometime in the future, but not alone, it is certainly a city worth sharing with someone.
I arrived thanks to easy jet being late, however in my desire to make up for lost time I hit the ground running. I dropped my bag off and hit the streets. I was in a great location and there were crowds of people just wandering and whilst you are wandering you encounter the thousands of bikes which zip in and out and then when you look up your walking in front of a tram, a few close calls but that’s the adventure of Amsterdam hahaha.
I did the hop on hop off bus and the driver was hilarious, every time he saw me he would stop the bus to ask if his aussie mate would like to ride yet, too funny. Though he came in handy early Sunday morning when I was running for the bus and he just drove past slowly and told me to jump on as he isn’t allowed to stop! Whew I made it on board all intact.
I wish I was poetic enough to do justice in my writing to explain this city. Busy, colourful, relaxed....such a dynamic city for a tourist anyway. I spent time just sitting drinking coffee, then did a canal ride that was just awesome and so much more than I experienced in Venice a couple of years ago. Looked in all the high end shops and then into the central district to see the red light district and a 10 minute walk saw me in the centre of the flower market. Everything was within great walking distance as the city itself it not overly large, just crowded.
Now for the bike riding, I did attempt this and lasted for two hours before my frazzled nerves had me hand in the bike and sit and have ale or two to calm my nerves.
If you’re visiting you have to go to Ann Frank House, what a great experience. Seeing her room with some of the original posters and the hidden rooms, but if you do not like small, narrow and steep steps this may not be for you! It is definitely a place that stirs up thoughts and emotions but I am amazed at how many people lost their lives but am also reminded that whilst Hitler is no longer here that genocide still happens today and I struggle to understand why we allow it to happen.
Next on the list was the Heineken brewery and let me say there is not a corner that does not have a sign with their name on it. You are in no doubt that this is the home of one of the great beers of this century haha. I did run in to an Brit dressed as an Arab with a green mankini under it which I was blessed to of been shown haha let the picture tell the story. Hmmmm mankini, how about some manscaping would be nice lol
So as I farewell this fine city, enjoy the photos and put Amsterdam on your travel list.

Tot ziens from Amanda