Amsterdam is one of my favorite places. It's just super easy, laid back, very affordable, and fun. A lot of people think Amsterdam is all about the Red Light District and visiting a "coffeehouse", and think everyone who visits is focusing on just that. And yes, those parts of town can be very busy & packed with foreign tourists. But you can avoid those areas, hang out with the locals & focus on the rest of the city, which is so cool!
I love walking through the city in the morning, while people are still sleeping or recovering from last night.
The architecture, especially canal houses, is my favorite in all of Europe. Each one is unique
And lots of cool, decked-out houseboats all around town
Caught the firemen taking an ice cream break. Really?????
On Saturday mornings, there is a great open market in the Jordaan district called Noordermarkt. This was one of the 1st things we saw, and you will see (later) that it revisited
The market has everything you might want, all from organic farms.
These two boys were on their best behavior, hoping that "Dad" bought them their Saturday treat
A little jazz in the morning........
Their owner was selling really lame stuff - like batteries and past-expiration moisturizer. I suspect the huskies were bored
This bakery stand had a working stone oven in the back. That's fresh bread!
Pat's breakfast, from the earlier photo
Another favorite spot is Vondelpark. It's a great place to walk around & people watch.
Bath Time
Not sure whether to stay in or go out.
A double-wide houseboat. Nice flowers
A few more canal shots
I can't resist a sleeping kitty
Pat, did you lose your bike?
Proost!!! (that would be Cheers in Dutch )
