AmsterDAM!!!

[Written 6/3/16]

Today is Day 3 in Amsterdam ... I can say that I really experienced Amsterdam after tonight.

We road in style to and From Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Day 1

Our first day in Amsterdam began at 9:45pm when we decamped the bus and got settled into our rooms.  Naturally, everyone was eager to test out the night life Amsterdam had to offer, so off we went.

Amsterdam Day 2

A late morning tour kicked off our second day in Amsterdam. Baaz (not too sure on the spelling), our guide, was a boot: quirky, slightly dirty, but also a learn-ed professional, essentially all things Amsterdam.  We saw the sights: red light district, dam square, old church, new church, royal residences which are now the city hall, canals, the Amstel river, and the old location of the hienekin brewery.  

Baaz on lef in Red and our crew in front of some typical Amsterdam Dwellings

Had to try some in the city of sin.

Another gorgeous Amsterdam view. Amstel river.

 
After the tour we were all left to outer own devices, or could go to fishing village and see where cheese was made. Some friends of mine and I chose lunch, shopping, and naps before heading out for the night.  Our tour group went to the Anne Frank House in the evening, which only had a 45 minute wait to go in-- something our tour director Fabrice said was very lucky and the shortest he had ever seen. [Last time he was there it was 4 hours!!] It was a humbling, sobering experience very much like my trip to Dachau Concentration Camp last year. I am so glad I saw it. It was unexpectedly bare, but at the same time, necessarily so. Some of the recollections in the house brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. The rest of the night was left to our own devices, and again we ventured into the nightlife ... although a great deal more subdued.

Amsterdam Day 3
Our third day in Amsterdam was completely free. Left you our own devices, we rose later than usual at 9am and went off on the tram of our last day in Amsterdam. We visited the I amsterdam sign, walked through the red light district, and enjoyed the city. Later that night a large group of us attended a show.

I Amsterdam Sign

Yes, T for Tina.

Ready for the Amsterdam Night Life

Amstel River at Night.

After Amsterdam, Frankfurt!