We had a couple of things we wanted to achieve today but the bits in between we were just going to see where it took us. First stop the "I Amsterdam" sign, they have a few of these dotted around the city so we found one on the map and off we went. Winding our way around the small streets, avoiding cars, trams and bikes we took pictures of old houses, canals and old churches. We came across a market with bulb shops and cheese shops so stopped for a few free samples.
Arrived at the sign, mandatory photos, a coffee and then off to the Ice Bar............we had a map and walked, walked, walked, walked and finally found it after asking someone who had us in a totally different part of Amsterdam (they had us on some street not near any canals but we were right beside a canal!), asking a postie and then a taxi driver. It was nice to sit down for a while before we went in. It was fun, we drank our sour vodka shots and marveled at the way the ice was put together.
Next stop Dam Square via the little deli we found yesterday to grab some rolls for lunch. Rolls in hand we found the horse and cart ride and off we went, a romantic lunch traveling around the streets of Amsterdam. The driver was very good and told us some history etc. People were taking pics as we drove by and so I waved and was a princess in a coach for a short time.
Next stop was H&M, I bought two beautiful wool dresses. We didn't even explore the shop but we are sure some damage on the credit card could be done there!
Back to the hotel to unload then we walked back to have some dinner and see what Amsterdam is like in the evening. Chips for dinner then a hot chocolate in an Irish pub. Wandered around, took some photos then tiredness was creeping in so back to the hotel.
Thoughts on Amsterdam: coffee shops are everywhere, you can smell the substances! from outside of them, canals are beautiful, red light district where the prostitutes are peddling themselves in the windows, some beautiful, some may surprise you and all shapes and sizes. During our walking we peeked into people's houses and admired the smallness etc. we met a guy who is setting up a shop and got to go down into the basement of one which was very tiny and an eye opener. The people are extremely friendly and helpful. Bikes are everywhere and you need to watch out or you will get hit.
A wonderful city, would come back for sure.
Next stop Belgium.
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