Dam on the Amstel

We are constantly reminded that the literal translation of travel (travail in french) is "work". Some days it is harder than others. And it doesn't disappear with more comfortable or convenient locales (ie Europe vs. Africa). We took the Euroline bus from London to Amsterdam via the ferry Dover to Calais. We kinda expected luxury coach and instead got dirty bus with a trashed washroom and surly driver. We arrived at our "great find" hotel ... quad room right next to Vondel park ... only to find a broken down one star dive ... at 300 bones per night paid in advance for 3 nights. You would think that we would be better at these things after 4 months on the road. Maybe if we did not have M+M with us we would take more chance at arriving without a place reserved and then pay after we see exactly what we are getting.

Our time touring the city made up for all the shortcomings of the hotel. We did 4 of our 5 "top 5 things to do" ... Rijksmuseum, canal tour, self guided city tour by bike and walk to Vondel park and the place where my father grew up.


We ran out of time for Van Gough museum but have that on the plan for our return visit at the end of May. Best part for us was cruising the by-ways on bicycles ... it's how everyone gets around here and it is really the best way to explore this "Venice of the north".




We just loved buzzing down cobbled streets and across the canal bridges ... 400 year old houses on one side and picture perfect marine scene on the other. Paradijs op twee wielen!!

BOSgone