Oh Sweet Amsterdam
Paul and I never had a honeymoon. We waited 10 years and decided we finally were going to have the getaway we always wanted. Meaning kid free and nothing but fun. When in Europe where else is there to live it up but Amsterdam. We left on a Friday and returned home the following Monday. It was four day with no kids and nothing but FUN. We truly needed that fun.
Friday we walked all over. We started near the main train station. Which borders the red light district. We walked the City. For us it was our way to save money on cab fair, rental bikes and tram cost. They are not cheap. We ended up over by the Van Gough museum. I have to say it was one of my favorite stops. Don’t let the name of the museum fool you. While there were some pieces there were a ton that were not. His work has always been a favorite of mine. I bought a copy of the starry night for my office. It my absolute favorite painting. We ate at this fantastic little Irish Pub. I did not get a picture because of the down pour! They had the best grilled ham and cheese sandwich ever!!!! It is run by an Irish family and they are hysterical. They also happen to come from County Cork. (they are my people). As we left this restaurant the antics started. Nothing like seeing a 300 pound man in a bikini and a hot pink wig. Hysterical! At this point we made our way back to the hotel to check in. I am not sure how I feel about this hotel. They say it is five star but I would say more along the lines of three star. I had emailed the hotel requesting a 1st floor or 2nd floor room. I got 4th floor. When you are paying tons of money for a hotel and they say they will accommodate you. You kind of expect that. Also the shower didn’t have a proper door so the water would splash down the door and half way out the into the bathroom. They got a bit flustered when we asked for an extra towel so we could have one to catch the water. The prices for their food there were outrageous. I heard some people complain about how bad it was. So we ate on the economy and had fantastic food. What they don’t mention on their website is that they are bordering on the red light district so it is loud. Add that to thin walls and a couple who really get into their sex it made for a long nights of barely any rest. The location being near city center was fantastic. That made life easy. We happened to be next to a beautiful old Church. St. Nicholas. It was breath taking on the inside.
The I Amsterdam was constantly busy. So we didn’t great shots. The Sex Museum was so much fun. We had a blast. Just walking the city is fun. You never know what you will. For example the drunk Brit. Who the next thing I know is up in my space hugging me. He has a bachelor list. Heard Paul and I talking. His list was to hug an American. Left him with a peck on his cheek. Killed 2 birds with one stone. There was also the free hug guy. Who just wanted to spread cheer. He was from Australia. The street performers were great.
Let’s talk the Anne Frank House. This will be something that sticks with me for as long as I live. We purchased the English tour. It was absolutely AMAZING!! Everyone needs to go. We saw photos and learned more about the family before going on the tour. As you walk the tour you see the offices. When you get past the offices you find the book case. Your arm hair immediately stands on end. It is such an Erie feeling. We are walked. I remember looking at the walls that Anne had tacked photos up. They are now enclosed and feeling the tears. I wonder how scared she felt in the moment of her home being invaded. It was an Eries somber moment. One that will stick with me forever. A memory I am glad to have. After all the years of learning about her and her story in history. I was able to experience where it all took place. Amazing.
We did a city tour on Norbert our horse and carriage ride. We took a bike taxi. I have so many more memories as well. Those I will keep for Paul and I. Paul and I plan on going back. We won’t take the four days we did that last time. Just Friday to Sunday. We loved that there was no charades to be played as they speak english everywhere you go. Yay for Amsterdam. This city has something for everyone.
