The Netherlands

September 2-3

Amsterdam


We flew from Geneva to Amsterdam and spent a night there before embarking on a cruise.

We opted to use our backpacking backpacks for luggage to avoid the lovely "checked-baggage" fees and also make travelling easier. It was so embarrassing--we felt like such 'tourists!'

We landed pretty late (we flew out after Curt got home from work), so we got to see Amsterdam's night life. It was pretty crazy. Amsterdam has a very, very distinct smell.

The drawbridges over the canals are amazing. This is the famous Magere Brug

Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein) was neat to see. There are many well-known artists from this region. This square was also a hopping place for the night life. There were a lot of people, clubs, bars and cabs.

Still fascinated by the tiny cars on the sidewalks

We were shocked how many bikes there were. Honestly--there were more bikes than cars and people combined! We felt rather silly walking on the sidewalk. There were no pedestrians. Everyone biked.

The canals of Amsterdam were incredible. Read here for more information. People lock the bikes to the railings (and anything else they can)

This was the street we stayed on. We bought a postcard of it and sent it to Lance and Elaina (Lance served his mission there)

Drinking AMAZING hot chocolate, yogurt smoothie and orange juice while waiting for breakfast. We enjoy food when we travel and make it an important part of our experience.

We went to Singel 404 at the recommendation of someone I met here in Geneva. The food was absolutely incredible. Definitely the best breakfast I have ever ordered at a restaurant. SO amazing!!!!! If you are ever in Amsterdam, be sure to go there!

The Anne Frank House

After these sights, it was off [or should I say on] to the ship.....