Monday-Amsterdam

The weather was nice Monday so we decided to daytrip it to Amsterdam. Getting to A'dam was easy via the train which we caught just a couple blocks from R&J's house. We had a little problem with our credit cards at the train station. For some reason we couldn't use our cc to buy tickets with the automated machines. We hopped on the train without a ticket and were able to buy one at the next stop from the teller. A little tricky but it all worked out.

The train ride was only about 45 mins with one connection. We got to A'dam around lunch time and grabbed a quick bite to eat right next to Central Station. Note to self never eat a hot dog in Holland, John said they were terrible, they must have been pretty bad as hot dogs are his favorite food!

We decided to buy a ticket for the Canal Hopper so we could get on and off the boat all around the city. Not sure we got our money's worth as we pretty much ended up walking the city but it was a fun ride while we used it.

Our first stop was the Van Gogh Musuem. We spent about an hour there. It was okay and one of those things you feel like you should just do since you're there. Most of the day we walked around checking out the canals, streets,shops. Amsterdam is such a pretty city. I don't think most Americans realize that with all the negative hype it gets.

The dutch watch a lot of American T.V. and its all subtitled so they constantly hear English. Which explains why they speak so well. I liked this billboard

Just before dusk we hit the Red Light District. The windows were being set up (women were taking their places). It wasn't until we came back later that things started picking up. We must have seen over 100 women within a 6 block radius. It was truly an experience to witness. I felt really sorry for the women. A lot of them looked pretty desperate. I couldn't believe how many shapes and sizes there were. All of them were standing in the window in bikinis. 99% of them cigarette in hand. As the guys walked by they would tilt their heads at them or wink. It was pretty funny. We only witnessed two guys go in, though many inquired but didn't commit. I was curious to know how it worked so I tried to convince John to go ask but he was too shy : )

(the girls which you can't see are below the red lights. every store front had a red light pretty much)

strange!

not sure if there were more girls or coffee shops in A'dam. I did learn that coffee shops only serve hash and coffee. No alcohol! Only cafes serve alcohol.