Amsterdam

Left Berlin and arrived in Amsterdam, wasnt too much hassle tho our taxi driver didnt understand English (we think he was Turkish!) and then there was an accident on the highway to the airport so roads closed. Lots of Turkish mutterings and hand gestures from the front seat, but he managed to find his way there round little back roads. Not too much extra in money either and he dropped us off at the right entrance for our plane - so really cant complain. We flew KLM which is dutch airlines, and what lovely people a flight attendants1 lots of smiles, and helpfulness, and even the pilots came out and said goodbye. most impressed. (tho the plane was a tinsy old) Heid and Steffan were waiting for us. (these are a couple Dave's mum and dad had met on their travels around NZ, and we had jacked up meeting them) what a nice couple! they both spoke english well, and were our main guides around Amsterdam. nothing was a bother. they had worked out a plan covering the sights - extremeley organised. the first stop from the airport was a windmill! ( on my wish list) cause there arent many around!

after that it was drop off at our hotel and a beer! (now 1pm)then onto a tram??? and into the centre of town. (the tram was outside our hotel and app. it is hard to park in the central part) so off we go on our tram! thank god they knew what to do. We got off in the middle of Amsterdam and wandered around cobblestone streets and canals - just lovely! there were lots of young ones cause its near the university. then into an old houseaka bar, and another beer with snacks (they ordered special dutch platter so we could try everything- even raw mince stuff!) very nice and more spicy than I thought the Dutch were into.

After that (about 6pm) it was walking round the coffee shops (think drugs) - very interesting in the smell! the gagets! and the number of people going in and out. It was funny cause I was fascinated in the types of people around (tourists, students, druggies, dodgy Mafia types all together!) and then suddenly I look and there is a woman in the window with bra and pants on! talk about no warning! I didnt realise the red light district was right in the middle of the old part - tiny narrow walkways, tall 3 story old buildings and lots of people!quite a few obviously stag night characters and even a few hen night group of girs. Heidi did say that much later on there are very few woman venturing round here even in groups. The woman were much younger and 'fresher' (is that a right way of saying it) than I thought, and all I wanted to do was go in and take them all out of there! Dave said he thought they would be harder looking, which actually makes it all the more sadder! Anyway after about half and hour of wandering through this very seedy area we walked one alleyway over and there was a lovely street of old houses and bars, which is really more of a local hangout. (they dont do the seedier places very much app. leave it up to the tourists then sit back and watch and laugh!) we went into Steffans favourite bar, which was actually a small brewery, and tried their local drop and food.(the craze over here is white asparagras? which is in season (see picture - told them we only have green ones not albino!)

anyway now its about 9pm and obviously the more rowdier element had come out. there was a big concert going on in the local square celebrating the founding of the Netherlands, and lots of singing and breakdancing etc. (there are urinals standing beside the road for men to use - stinks but handy - nothing for women tho!) After all this it was back on the tram to the hotel (by 10.30pm) talk about a bombardment of the senses and brain! was extremely tired but fascinated.