We flew to Amsterdam Wed. To begin a 7-wk bike tour of the Low Countries. Trip notes:
Long layover at London Gatwick. Flt to Amsterdam delayed 1 hr. Didn't matter. We were zombies anyway.
Amsterdam is having a very warm day and everyone is out enjoying it and thousands of people are on the streets on bicycles.
First impression at Amsterdam was I wasted my time with Dutch lessons; the signs and all the people are English-speaking. Taxi to hotel. Our room is the very smallest hotel room we have ever seen, but we have not been to Japan. If it were any smaller it would have needed bunk beds. The plus is it is clean and all of the fixtures and facilities are ultra-modern, and the staff has been very helpful so far. I had not thought to build out the tandem bike until we were about to leave but everyone here seems to be riding bikes so I spent the late afternoon building the bike out on the sidewalk. I went upstairs briefly and someone was about to go off with our bike cases from the sidewalk, but our hotel desk clerk rescued them for me. In fairness, they were right beside the trash, and I have been known to be a packrat myself. We tested my newly devised electronic wireless alarm system, and if anyone disturbs the bike my receiver unit will vibrate and play Fur Elise.
In search of dinner, we walked along the nearby street fronting a canal. Made our way to a street with many restaurants and happened into one of the best meals we have ever had anywhere. small place, fixed menu, fixed price. Didn't know what we would get but what we got was 3 courses of small portions but when we were done we were well satisfied, and the main thing was that each course was accompanied by an extraordinary wine. An Italian something with the appetizer, a Pinot Noir with the Easter lamb main dish, and a Sauterne with dessert. We left quite a few Euros behind, but it was well worth it. Life is good.
Don't be picky about spelling and punctuation. I do know somewhat better but Google doesn't.
Pic: our Bike Friday and friends.
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