Amsterdam

I forgot what an awesome city this is!!!! It's like Gent on steroids. Such a lively and interesting place and the people seem pretty friendly too. We went out to dinner with Steve's boss at Dubble, a pub like atmosphere with a really friendly wait staff. Bronwen flirted with our waiter all night and earned herself a free dessert...cream puffs that she wouldn't share.  I'm not sure I like this life lesson-ha-ha! It was so nice to have a relaxing dinner out (even with the kids, amazing!). The only casualty was Alex's blowout onto my dress-of course!

We only spent one night, but we covered quite a bit of ground. We walked all over the city, through the main shopping areas and the red light district. I wanted to find the crazy hostel/bar that I stayed in 13 years ago but it is no longer a hostel and the bar moved to a different part of town. The red light district was as strange as ever, so hard to imagine this way of life but it has been a part of Amsterdam since the 14th century. It is really a beautiful part of town and a must see. I can appreciate the incredible tolerance of this beautiful city.

My camera finally died so these pictures are from my phone which really does the city no justice. Amsterdam has incredible architecture but I didn't bother trying to capture it on my phone camera.  Next time I go I will bring a working camera but for now...

The floating flower market (on the right)

One of the many beautiful canals

again...

and again...

I didn't remember much of the area but as soon as I saw this statue I remembered eating a baguette and cheese on these steps with my friend 13 years ago.  Funny how things come back to you in a flash.