Amsterdam the city of bicycles, yes bicycles, canals and bridges everywhere, as well as smiling people on buses, trams and subways...It is a welcome change from the stoic people of Prague...Cienna, (usually with a smile on her face), told us that when she first arrived in Prague, she thought she had made a big mistake, but in the "Language House" and "ABC preschool," she has a made a circle of friends, none of them Chech...I'm not knocking Prague, it is a beautiful city, but just telling you our first impression.
Our four days in Amsterdam have been filled with food, drink, shopping, sightseeing and a 2 hour cruise around the city, where like Prague, the buildings are stacked in like cordwood, plus they are built on a swamp. (these are Rusty's words).
Breakfast at the airport, before we took Bolt to our Hotel, settled in, Ci ordered tickets for the transit system and we were on our way...Almost everything we book and pay for is done on her card, that is on her phone to swipe...I'm using the treking poles everywhere and the streets/sidewalks are smoother here, also with Rusty's help and the slower escalators, we don't have to hunt for the elevators!
We hop the "22" bus, in front of our hotel and it delivers us to the middle of downtown, where we got educated on how the buses, bicycles and a few cars, all use the same space...Bicycles usually have the "right of way." NOBODY wears a helmet, most bikes are just one person peddling, but some have crates, front or back to carry dogs, children, groceries, etc...They peddle fast, weaving in and out of traffic, all looking like they are having a good time...It is truly amazing.
The first night we ate at the "Seafood Bar," sharing appetizers, and main dishes family style, along with drinks, (my Bloody Mary was delicious).
The Cruise is a great way to see the city architecture and points of interest and get an idea of the canal system...Amsterdam is 7 feet below sea level...We chose a small boat, holding about 15 people, that included snacks and drinks...A light rain started about halfway through and we finished the cruise with umbrellas and blankets for all...That's it for today...Hugs To All...OWAV:)
Sorry it won't let me post photos here...GRRR
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