Hmm.. so. Amsterdam was beautiful, first of all. And thank you to my friends in Enschede for showing us around. Long rows of tall narrow buildings with lovely finials on the pointed rooftops, lots with hooks and pulleys at the crest at the rooftops for getting furniture into the places without using the narrow staircases. A feeling of flowing spaciousness even with all the tourists and roads clogged with taxis and bicycles, partly due to the canals and green space, which also adds a sense of romance. Honestly of all the places we went in Europe, I think I saw more couples kissing on street corners in Amsterdam than in Spain or France. I guess it felt familiar to me. Most cities that are attached to a series of waterways or a river have a similar feel to me, at least the ones I have been in. As if the cities pick up the same pace and paths, meandering and flowing to the same bends.
There were canal taxi boats, some for parties, which I thought was neat. The tram that can take you almost anywhere runs on a track that runs right through the square and the streets, no real barrier. Our taxi cab driver from the airport told us he was a tram driver before, but someone fell in front of his tram and was cut in half, and he was too traumatized to keep doing it. I am not surprised now, the crowds are dense and the people are rarely paying that much attention. I had to jump out of the way of one more than once while there, and I am pretty observant. I had to jump out of the way of Dutch bicyclists too, but a lot of them have perfected making fantastic clicking noises or whistling at people from a distance. The cyclists there were hardcore. Only tourists ride bikes like normal people, my friend told me the Dutchy's get bikes before they can walk. I saw a woman in her forties riding on the back of someones bike sidesaddle, ankles crossed, hands folded in her lap, no effort at all. Ian saw a girl riding with no hands, checking her phone with one while she put up her hair with another.
Food was not very exciting. Most things being sweet or under spiced. Lots of fried street snacks though, and decent coffee. The Van Gogh museum was honestly super crowded and not as big as expected, but was still nice. I bought some tights in a cute boutique and got to hear "oh, in the USA you are small, but here you are right in the middle, you should be able to wear anything in the store". Tourism, granting me a gift of feeling normal for once instead of making me shop in the kids section for life. Also bought some lovely vintage red Doc's. Best boots I have ever had, worth every penny.
Ians best moment was probably when we found a Scottsman in full kilt and regalia, playing a bagpipe to the square (which pretty much always had some kind of performers there, think I saw death every day). He was playing to the wall when no one was looking so you could literally hear the sound across the entire square. Ian went over to film him as he started playing Amazing Grace, and by the end Ian was happily sobbing. As he came back to us though, we saw the player take a break and wipe his eyes with a handkerchief he pulled out of his pocket. Got em both, it did.
Last but not least, and what I loved the most, was the Dampkring. And sure, maybe a coffee shop is what you would expect me to like (cough cough), but seriously I could have chilled there happily for the rest of my life. Cool swanky sort of morrocan space bar aesthetic, tables and walls painted in a gold antiqued pattern with jewel tone accents and nifty modern light fixtures. The bar served no alchohol, only coffee drinks and smoothies and delicious teas, and toasties (toasted ham and cheese sandwich), potato chips, hot chocolate, occasional brownies. The girls were awesome and sweet to me and cute, and the boys working the back counter were all awesome and played great music. I would also dare to say that the Dampkring cat, Bowie, took quite a shine to us... Reminds me of the street kitten who tried to adopt us years ago in Dingle. The first night there I was tired and grouchy and nervous, too worked up to sleep, and I left Ian to lie down while I went to find it, because someone told me it was around the corner from the hotel. They were full and busy,( it is a pretty small place, 3 tables and essentially bar seating around the room) but the staff were personable and attentive, checking to see if I needed anything. I sat in the window, pet the kitty, had a smoke and some of the best tea I have ever had. Hot drinks always come with a cookie or a biscuit in Amsterdam too. Set me right. In more ways than one.
I think that about wraps up Amsterdam. I bought a blue rose in a tin at the flower market. I didn't think that was a thing. I will plant it in springtime and let you know how it goes. Sorry I did not bring back all the tulips. :)
