
As we just woke up at eight am and it was pitch black Glenn said you know maybe we should have stayed in Florence and gone home from Italy. It's not because this isn't a fabulous city and he's not loving it, but I have to own we are now tired. I proceeded to give him all the reasons why we should have come here, the main one being my motto, the more of the world you see the better and we can sleep when we get home. Though when I just tried to wake up the girls they begged for another half hour, so they are sleeping in today.
ACHING FEET IN AMSTERDAM
We just woke up at eight am and it is pitch black. Glenn said “You know maybe we should have stayed in Florence and gone home from Italy.” It’s not because this isn’t a fabulous city and he’s not loving it, but I have to own we are now tired. I proceeded to give him all the reasons why we should have come here, the main one being my motto, the more of the world you see the better and we can sleep when we get home. Though when I just tried to wake up the girls they begged for another half hour.
I was here once before, but I was very young and remember little. Perhaps my girls will feel the same way. The Amsterdam of today is without question a different city than it was in the early 70’s and it is very different than anything in Italy.
It’s adorable, modern, high functioning and very forward in so many ways, says I who have been here 48 hours! I think for a long time people thought about Amsterdam as the red light district, smoking pot and tulips. It is anything but. It’s here, but not first on our list.
It is a truly a green city. Most people get around bikes or public transport. And the bikes have the right away. Glenn read that cripples, babies, old people nobody comes before the cyclists. I believe him as we have each been almost run over three times from wandering into the bike lane.
Unlike Italy it is very multi-national and everyone speaks perfect English. They are all working and seem to love what they are doing no matter what it is. They make everything easy for you, with the exception of cashing money. There is a canal boat in front of our hotel and it takes you everywhere, it is charming, impressive and an easy place to be.
I know they have their problems like any city, and it lacks the color and bravura of Latin countries, but the people couldn’t be nicer, the internet never wavers and there is a ton to see.
I think perhaps I cram too much into each day. This morning I’m letting everyone sleep in even though my cram it all in voice is saying, today is New Year’s Eve and things might close early and tomorrow everything will be closed and then we leave….
My feet may hurt but I’m happy we are here.








We opted for the typical Indonesian food for dinner. Amsterdam is known for it. That is one thing I remember from the last time I was here.





The Royal Palace sits in the middle of downtown Amsterdam. I have not boned up on my Dutch Royal history, sorry…..will fill you in later.








We’re all up…we’re cranky….we’re going off to the see the Rembrandts at the National Museum. This may be the last museum I can drag them through. Oh no, forgot ~ tomorrow we have The Anne Frank House.
Have a great New Year’s Eve. Don’t drink and drive, not even a bike!