"You go right and cross one canal. The tram stop is on the left."
This was how the front-desk lady at my hotel told me to catch the train downtown. Did you notice the canal reference. In Amsterdam, it's all about the water. Canals are everywhere and woven into the language.
In the photo above (click to enlarge), you see houseboats, ducks and lots of water. There are 1281 bridges in the city, 165 canals and 2500 houseboats. People live on the houseboats with electricity and all the amenities.
Today, I took a boat excursion on the canals and the harbor, then a two-hour open-air bus tour. The weather was great. I told the lady at the front desk (when I returned) that I was a tourist today. It's a hard job, but you did it well she told me. Gotta love Dutch people.
When I go places, I'm not a big fan of museums. I like, rather, to get out and do things. Tomorrow, however, it's the Rijksmuseum. Must see the Rijksmuseum and it's only three blocks from my hotel.
Did you know: There are 600,000 bicycles in Amsterdam. Everyone rides them. No wonder you don't see any fat Dutch people. I saw a young lady texting while riding her bike! I couldn't make this stuff up.
Photos taken with my P&S.
What a great post, Dave! Very interesting and your photos are just superb! I envy you but I think I've already told you that about your European trip. So glad that you're enjoying the beauty of Amsterdam as well as France.
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ReplyDeleteNice pics of Amsterdam and Bruges. I visited Amsterdam when I was 9 years old ... too young to really appreciate the city, I think.
ReplyDeleteOw man! Not only did you come in fifth, losing only to the eventual winners ... you won the Bridge Blogging pick-the-winner contest also!
As long as you are going to the Rijksmuseum, you should also check out the Van Gogh Museum, which is just a couple of blocks further along the tram line.
ReplyDelete@Lakshamanan: You were too young and I am now too old, lol.
ReplyDelete@WhitEKnight: Thanks for the advice. I think I will.
For dinner try the rice table. Have a good trip home.
ReplyDelete@Michael: I see there is a Samo Sebo near my hotel. I'll try it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos--enjoy!
ReplyDeleteTried to comment from my phone earlier in the week, but I see it didn't post, let me try again... I know you were disappointed, but 5th in the world is great IMO! Way to go, Mojo & the team, great job! Congrats! The 'tourist' pics are wonderful, enjoying them and the info you wrote, very interesting. :)
ReplyDeletefabulous images! such a nice place to visit. thanks for heads up on our viva la voyage site. somehow we missed it this week. yikes. we are uploading now and writing text. and dave said he can give you details about costa rica. there are so many fabulous places to see in Costa Rica. Tauck has a good Costa Rica tour and sometimes people just stay in one of our condos on the beach and take day trips into the parks. Bob of St Louis daily Photo has stayed two years in a row at our condo and did his own activities when he arrived with tour guides as that is real easy to do also. Bob's website has photos of both of his trips to Costa Rica. Our two condos are profiled on the top right of Dave's Costa Rica Daily Photo site. and feel free to email me or call me if you have more questions. have a fabulous time in Costa Rica. It is a spectacular country.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your excellent finish in the tournament, and thank you for your travel reports.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for alerting us to the lapse in our Viva la Voyage post for this morning. we have fixed it.
Bet wishes for your flight home tomorrow.
Take me with you next trip!
ReplyDeleteFingers wiggling: Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon
ReplyDeleteYup, at least 5 days between post.
You are having too much fun.
Demerits! Demerits! I say.
I know that and a nickle...
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Decisions, decisions. What to take on the next trip...
Lightning?
Chia Pet?
Decision sends Mojo looking for fresh seeds.
Hi Dave! With re your question about Ocala: It would be highly unusual for it to snow here although I think I remember one day in the past 8 years where we got a very light dusting. Usually we don't get that cold, but we had a couple of unusually cold winters. Last year was great. I don't think it got below 40 and was usually in the 60-70s during the day.
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