Up early and had a quick breakfast before Olaf took us to the train station in Coesfeld. It was sad leaving our friends, knowing that it may be several years before we see them again.

After a couple of transfers (including a short bus ride in Enschede due to construction at the train station), we arrived in Amsterdam Centraal. Wow! What a busy place!

We caught the bus to the area of our hotel as per the instructions we were given. However, I was having trouble with my phone and getting internet so once off the bus we really had no idea where to head to next. Despite me being frustrated and cranky, Rod managed to get us headed in the right direction. When I finally was able to get internet service, we realized we were just a block from our hotel/flat.

We checked in, had a snack and a nap and then began to get our bearings. We managed to find a grocery store nearby and bought our groceries and dinner (doners & salad). Groceries are so cheap here compared to at home. After dinner, we downloaded a great app that gave us detailed maps offline (and somehow tracks our location without data). Feeling a little braver, we headed out to explore our neighbourhood.

It turns out there is a beautiful park just a short distance from our flat. It was still very hot (high 20s and humid) and the park was filled with Amsterdamers grilling, playing soccer, playing music and generally enjoying life. (Oh, and there was definitely some pot-smoking and drinking, too!) While we were wandering, we found out that there is a free concert in the park on Saturday night featuring Buena Vista Social Club, a band that Rod is familiar with. It's definitely on the agenda for Saturday.

Carrying on with our walk, we meandered our way through beautiful, tree-lined streets running alongside peaceful canals. Everywhere people were sitting at sidewalk patios enjoying dinner and/or drinks. Eventually, we ended up at Leidseplein, the centre for nightlife in Amsterdam. Tons of people, tons of bikes, tons of action! Being the party animals that we are, we sat and had one drink at a sidewalk bar at the Grand Cafe and then headed back to our flat via tram. We did stay out until 12:30 but we were heading to bed just as the young kids were getting their nights started!