Riding around Amsterdam

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Geo: 52.3738, 4.89095

First thing on the day's agenda was a cycling tour of Amsterdam. I wasn't too sure of how I would go riding a bike, as it's been quite a while. I will probably be aching for days. My bike was a light green color. We rode in a large group of 30. Cyclists have right of way in Amsterdam which made it a bit easier. There's even a traffic light for bikes to stop, go, etc. It was really fun riding the bikes- I loved it. There was only one crash, two people got too close and one face planted the ground. We rode for about 2 hours and went through the park and out of the city, rode past cows and stopped by the water for a break. Across the road was McDonalds, so most of us had breakfast. I didn't make it to breakfast this morning and it was quite satisfying!!

We got on the bikes and made it back to the start with only a few near misses. I then went to the Rijksmuseum with Angie, Nikki and Cate. Wasn't very impressed with it. It was small and a very plain building on the inside. Although we did see Rembrandt's prize painting 'The Night Watch'. Then we wandered around a local market and had a cheap and filling falafel.

Next stop of the day was the Heineken Experience where we met Jo. It was really fun and we enjoyed the simple 'rides'. Half way through we had to stop at the bar and get our beer. Through the brewery we tried to learn how beer was made. At the end we had another drink and got a bottle opener- very useful!

We then stopped at a cafe for a rest. Then went to the tacky Sex Museum and looked at old photos, animal photos, painful photos, etc, an educational and slightly disturbing experience.
We met the rest of the group and Katie at the train station. Walked to the bus and we changed clothes to go out for dinner. Tonight was on the crew and we ate at a floating Chinese restaurant. After dinner we all did a canal cruise- all inclusive drinks! There were lots of photos taken of each other and the beautiful scenery. This was our last night together, some people were sad, I wasn't.
After the cruise we headed out to a bar, then slept in the tent for the last time!!

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Photos

01 On my bike
This is me and my green bike

02 Houseboats
It is cheaper to buy a boat and turn it into a house, than buy a house

03 Picasso in the park
This is one of two outdoor Picasso works in the world

04 Pretty canal
One of the pretty canals

05 Rijksmuseum
Outside of the museum

06 Sculpture
A cute sculpture of cupid

07 The Night Watch
Rembrandt´s largest painting

08 Outdoor convenience
For when the men really need to go, they can use this outdoor urinal

09 The Heineken Experience
Jo, Nikki, Angie and I about to start the tour

10 Having a drink at the end
We bumped into Mexico and Carly at the bar

11 A building
An old looking clock tower in Amsterdam

12 The Topdeck Group
This is the group that I have been travelling with for the last three weeks, we are cruising the canals.

13 Bridge lifting
The bridge opened and lifted to allow larger boats through

14 Apartments on the canal
Typical apartments along the canal

15 Bridge
A decorative bridge

16 Wonky buildings
Luckily for this buidling, it´s neighbours are supporting it!

17 Dead end
Here are lots of bikes