Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam

I stayed in a Hilton in Ams which was beautiful. So expensive though. 27E for 24 hours of internet and 7E for my small bottle of water. Booking a hotel ahead of time would have been cheaper, but where's the fun in that? Spent the evening strolling around Liedsplein, Rembrandt Plein, and in the Redlight district. I can't believe that it doesn't get dark until 10-10:30pm! I went to a coffee shop somewhere and learned about Moroccan Hash. Met an Egyptian running a shwarma shop that had an Israeli sign. Called it a night about 12:30 when it started getting sketchy. Here are just a few pics.


The moment the plane touches down I'm reminded of how expensive Europe is, and how I love America! The driver of the airport shuttle to the hotel watches me as I try to lift my own 60lb suitcase into the trunk. He did NOT get a tip. I made some boy about half my size lift it up.

A popular coffeeshop in the city center. There are always people dancing and singing in front of it trying to make money off the tourists.

Thought this was an odd name for a clothing store, especially since they also sell mens clothing.

Statue of Rembrandt in Rembrandt square.

I love the canals. Tried to take a canal tour but didn't didn't have enough time and couldn't find where to get on one.

I ate dinner at a pancake house/ sports cafe (odd combo) and sat outside and people watched. I ate Dutch pancakes for dinner, which turned out to be more like dessert. It was a thin pancake with icecream and whipped cream drowning it. Very good but not much in the way of substantial food.

I had to take a picture. How often do you see a sex shop and a gay friendly church across the street from one another?

Interesting... I wonder if people really buy this crap??!

Good 'ole red light district. Can't photograph the naked ladies or they break your camera. Sorry fellas. Went into one of the sex shops and saw a "butt plug" the size of a small lamp shade. Now what on earth would anyone need that for!!