DAY 26
THURSDAY MAY 26 2005
I woke up this morning and went to Amsterdam. I left my room at 10:30 am and came back at 10:30 pm. For a city I never intended to visit, I sure have! I enjoyed the sunny day meandering the city streets of Amsterdam. Learning and soaking up the nitty gritty vitality of this city. Listening to the musicians play on the street corners. Such a pleasure!
Jeff was right, I just needed to relax.
Years ago when I was on a Rick Steves tour, the tour group spent 3 hours in this bustling city. We went to places that forever stuck in my mind, but I knew I could never find them on my own again. Certainly not after all these years. Well, well, well! I meandered right into one of those places. It is high above the city with a view of all the rooftops. I ate lunch there, amazed that I found it all by myself. I took many photos while my mouth hung open with utter astonishment.
I walked this city, I know this city. I know the practicalities, like what tram to take where and so many other needed practicalities. This gives me a sense of pride. I have discovered so many ancient sites without stepping one foot into a museum and that gives me a sense of exploration and joy.
Years ago when I came here on tour I said never again. I was not impressed with Amsterdam one bit. Sometimes a second viewing can show the most amazing things!
I won't go into detail about my day because it would take twelve hours, but I will say this: While I was walking the city streets meandering my way to the tram, with music drifting on the air, I was filled with a self-contained joy and that is the best kind of travel day of all.
Even the police ride bikes.
Nope, I didn't buy this shirt for Jeff, but I did buy him a Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam T-Shirt.
There's that car again.
A sunset in a foreign city.