A DAY IN AMSTERDAM

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Rain, rain and rain. They say there never was such a bad summer. We certainly received the bad side. A day to Amsterdam was on the program. Not a good idea to take the car to the city, so next best thing was the bus. Stopped in the same street where we stay, so that was easy. We were warned before hand what to expect in the bus. We saw quickly that there were not that many Europeans travelling on the bus. Fourteen Euro for two Day tickets was not to bad. You can travel the whole day for that on all buses, trams and Metro. A bit unbelievable that people did not pay for transport. We could see them coming on and of without spending a penny. We arrived at Central Station and from there started our discovery tour of Amsterdam. At first we saw the many push bikes parked all along the roads. So many people ride bikes in Holland and all without a helmet. They have no problems riding without it, which makes me think why we have to wear one in Australia. Some of the bikes have a bucket in the front and in there the kids have a ride. We continued our journey through the small shopping streets towards the place that is called the Dam. On there is the Palace where sometimes the Queen has her residence. Just before we reached the Dam Liz felt for something to eat and for that here in Holland they have at certain places little glass doors in the wall that show types of food you can obtain. In the money slots you put your coins and the door of the chosen object opens. All you have to do now is eat it. Easy. We just enjoyed a croquet when we had a phone call from friends, congratulating me for my Birthday. That was a nice surprise. We slowly made our way through the busy shopping street called Kalverstraat. Many times we had to take cover for the pouring rain. We did make Rembrandt plein called after the famous Dutch painter. A real pity that the weather was so bad. It is usual a very busy area with lots of people sitting, enjoying a drink watching the people going by. Lots of chairs were empty. Amsterdam is still a drug city. There are many Coffee shops but they do not sell coffee.Here you buy Hashish in all kind of taste. Not a pleasant look, when you steal a glance inside. Mainly the tourists, who want to have the experience. After spending some time in the city we made our way back to the bus stop. We cannot say we like what we see. To many things have changed and to us it is not Holland any more. Outside the big cities we see a different story. Here you can find a little bit of Holland as we knew it a long time ago. The bus took us back to the place we are staying. We will visit Amsterdam again, but we hope that the weather will be more friendly. When the sun shines, things will look better, special for a city like Amsterdam, that as we know is a beautiful place. Bye for now Liz & Allan

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