Dutch land

Refreshed after a night in the business suite, we set out to explore Vondelpark. A Sunday morning was the perfect time for a walk, bikers, runners and families filled the park. There was a liveliness to the place, covering almost the whole park. We stopped at a restaurant in the park and enjoyed some people watching. Midday we once again moved into a new hotel, Hotel Singel along the Singel canal.

From there we set out on a canal tour to see the city. Passing through some of Amsterdam's 100 canals, the houses were squished together maximizing the precious little real estate in the city. After the tour, the bustling pubs along the canals called us to try some authentic Netherlands beer. Grolsh, Amstel , and Heineken filled our cups as we watched the busy Sunday crowds migrate.

Walking around downtown, it's hard to miss the red light district. Iit was a sight which was rather shocking for a small town guy from Kenmore. Enjoying the Amsterdam experience, hunger set in. Josesito's a tapas restaurant served satisfying calamari, asparagus, potato omelets with a tasty white wine.

A bustling Sunday turned into a slow night around town, the first full day one of Amsterdam in the book. we were exhausted.

The next day was the hottest day so far, with temps reaching 85 degrees. To beat the heat we rented yellow bikes for 24 hours and rode through Vondelpark, on our way to the Van Gogh museum. The exhibit was incredible and featured not only Van Gogh's paintings but also the artists which helped to shape his style.

Hungry, we stopped for lunch at the Sama Sebo, an Indonesian eatery for some egg noodles, beef with peanut curry, and fried bananas. an enjoyable authentic dish. Continuing on our bicycles, we set out for Osterpark in SE Amsterdam, and after a few wrong turns ended up at Sarphatipark, a good spot to relax and soak up some sun.

Returning through de pijp outdoor market, we parked at a local pub with seating over the canal for a cold one. People were perched on the canals drinking and watching the boats cruise by, a nice leisurely afternoon for sure. As the sun finally dropped below the horizon and the night cooled down, we caroused the streets some, soaking up all that Amsterdam has to offer.