The wonderful world of Amsterdam

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I've had a great time in Amsterdam and luckily survived unscathered from any injuries caused by Cyclists. It took me a little while, but once I realised I was walking in the designated cycle lanes and that there weren't widened pavements, things improved dramatically. The thing that tickled me the most and will never forget is what I spotted when I took a Canal cruise - The multi storey Bike park for the thousands used on a daily basis. Imagine if you couldn't remember where you parked up!!! 😊. Since arriving I have simply taken to me feet and walked the canals to death. Its been really lovely wandering through the different streets and bridges from the main tourist areas to the more remote outskirts. I have seen some sights and I'm not not talking about the Red Light District. In fairness this area seemed pretty tame. I did consider this as an alternative back up plan but I feel the windows are far too tall and wouldn't compliment my height. Theres nothing worse than a half dressed shop window! I have wandered through food, flower and clothes markets. Many of which would give Rheola a run for its money. A few resembled an open air charity shop sorting office. I should have come with an empty suitcase for bargains. One thing I have struggled with is what attractions to visit given there is an endless supply of museums. One practically for every topic; Purse and Handbags, Sex, Torture, Heineken, Anne Frank, Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Body Art etc. However me being me and having only interests in food, booze, walking, being nosey, sarcasm and how posh people live. I did the following: House Boat Museum - I wanted to know how much stuff you could actually get in one. Quite abit as it turns out but its off my list of potential future property buys as everytime another boat passed I felt I'd had a few vinos!! Free Walking Tour - This was great, the guy who took us had a fantastic sense of humour and was really animated and for those 3 hours I didn't look like Billy no mates! Canal cruise - not just any common old garden cruise. Not for Moi! I got on a little one that could go through the smallest canals. You can tell I'm nosey. Although there were times on this where I wasn't sure how small he thought his boat was given the few scrapes we encountered. Still, all good in the end! Museum Geelvinck and Museum Van Loon - Two posh houses that face the canals with connecting gardens. This was fab given you could have a glass of vino in beautiful surroundings with very few tourists. A slice of paradise, hidden. Artzuid 2015 - a free sculpture exhibition. Even I couldn't visit Amsterdam without seeing some Arty stuff. Still didn't understand most of them but hey, the sun was shining and my tan was getting topped up. My foodie highlights have included a GF Beer in a small pub serving over 200 different varieties. A rather large pancake with cinnamon ice cream, cherries and kirsch and my all time favourite, Hot Cucumber Soup. Yes thats right you haven't got it wrong. HOT CUCUMBER SOUP!! Gorgeous. My accommodation has been lovely. My own private room in a ladies flat close to the Windmill. Thank god there was this significant landmark to guide me back. By the end of today, I now have my bearings. Its typical given tomorrow I make my way to Copenhagen and have to start all over again with a new map.

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Comments

[Nadiene]

Good Advice
I'm glad to see you took on the advice from your brother in law with the, what did he call them 'crazy cyclists', hard to imagine a bicycle 'car' park though! Also I'm loving the pics with your selfie stick, a leaving gift I'm sure will get plenty of use out of! Loving your updates so far and looking forward to hearing more of your adventures as your trip continues.

[Lee]

Amsterdam looks great!
Sounds like a few lovely sunny days in the 'Dam! Glad the walking tour went well, always helps when the guide is a good crack and that beer looks very tasty! Enjoying the pictures and reading about your adventures, I'm sure Copenhagen will be great! :)

[Beth Cowdry]

Amsterdam
Well looks and sounds like the first city of your travels was very enjoyable. Glad to hear your not hanging up your travelling shoes yet and setting yourself up in a 'shop' window! Also pleased to hear that GF has also been easy to find. Look forward to hearing more stories ?? Bx

[Colin Harvey]

Adventure.
Hi Anna, glad to see your enjoying your adventure, Amsterdam is a wonderful city, nearly got run over by a tram when I was there, they come from the other direction. Copenhagen is wonderful as well, Tivoli Gardens is amazing, I'm sure you'll enjoy. Speak to you soon - Colin

[Chris]

Keep safe
Loved your blog. Can't wait for next installment. PS - my computer skills need serious improvement. This is my third attempt to comment!!

[Wendy]

Van Loon Museum
Well we certainly got more than we bargained for when we sat and enjoyed a lemonade in the garden of the Van Loon Canal House Museum. We had the opportunity to meet the lovely Anna right at the start of her exciting worldwide adventure! I will be following the intrepid explorer and living vicariously for the next two years. No pressure Anna but make it a good one. Wendy