Day 1 in the books

Photos on the photo page!

Took a 1/2 mile trek in the streets near the hotel and then Left the hotel for NEMO, it was a nice long walk and the museum was more kids based than I was expecting. Decided to have a sandwich at the museum for lunch and then walked back to the hotel. Lots and Lots of people, like the DC Mall in the summer.

My body is not ready for the time change, so I went to the hotel bar with lots of other people waiting for rooms, and I may have fallen asleep. I discovered that I do not like espresso, but that is the coffee of choice. Finally got my room, very modern, drapes close with the push of a switch on a control panel next to the bed. I can control the lights at temperature from there. Somehow, toothbrush/toothpaste did not make it into the suitcase, and I needed distilled water for the CPAP machine so I went to the local grocery store. On the walk I fell off the curb, scraped up my hand so bad they gave me a Band-Aid (plastische) at the store. Left hip and knee still sore this morning.

Went to dinner at Carstens in the hotel, had their 4 course tasting menu, One of the dishes is pictured, It was really good. I am not one to go out for great food, but wow.

Tried to go to sleep at 9PM and start training my body on the new time zone. Day 2 is a big day:

Amsterdam Walking Tour

Day 2 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Sunday, May 28

9:30 AM

2 Hours

EASY

SIGHTSEEING

Romantic Canals and Fairy-Tale Gabled Houses

Get acquainted with the neighborhood and discover why romantic Amsterdam is a city best explored on foot.

Meet your guide and set out into the charming streets. As you walk, admire the countless gabled houses. The city’s old tax code shaped these quaint homes into what they are today, as builders were taxed based on the frontage of their dwelling. Follow the tranquil canals (grachten) to the city’s open squares (pleinen), where cafés and shops greet you. The 60 miles of canals keep the waters of the North Sea at bay with a series of sluices at the city’s perimeter. In all, the network of canals forms a horseshoe shape with Centraal Station at the center of the mouth. Your guide will give you tips on getting around and staying oriented during your stay, and on walking in harmony among the many bicyclists and trams.

Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise

Day 2 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Sunday, May 28

6:30 PM

1.5 Hours

EASY

SNACK

SIGHTSEEING

Unique Perspective of Scenic Cityscape

Discover Amsterdam during the evening via one of the city’s famous glass-top canal boats.

This famous Dutch city is home to 1,281 different bridges crossing over the canals, with 165 canals that wind their way through the cityscape and span a total of 31 miles. With a local guide, set out for an evening cruise to see some of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, from narrow-fronted gabled houses to gilded manses adorned with riches during the height of Holland’s Golden Age. Enjoy a cheese-and-wine tasting while admiring the city’s interesting sights as you pass a variety of vessels, including many charming houseboats moored canalside. From your water-level vantage, you will also see the Anne Frank House, City Hall, the Rembrandt House and the replica of the 18th-century ship, Amsterdam, moored outside the Maritime Museum. Conclude your tour, then return to your hotel.