We started the tour with a one hour canal tour of the harbor and some of the canals of the city. It is always a good introduction to the ships in the harbor, the leaning houses along various canals, and the people and bikes traveling up and down the streets. Once off the boat, it was catch the #5 tram and get out to the Rijksmuseum. Before touring the museum, we took them over to the Hanse and Gretel cafe that we had found a few weeks ago with Lynda and Frank. It was crowded and the weather was cool and threatening, so we went inside where it was crowded. But, there were 4 spaces at the bar and that turned out to be just right for us. Even when, later, they offered us a table, we stayed put.
After lunch, we got the girls into the museum and Linda and I hung out at the museum's cafe. After the tour and visiting the gift shop, we started a stroll down toward the Dam. Lots of shops and people to watch. We ended up at the Dam, turned right and came upon the smallest bar in Amsterdam - which was one of our objectives.
The deal here is to have a shot of Jenever (Dutch gin) and a beer. You need to chug the gin and then drink the beer. Joy and I got right to it. Linda didn't participate and Diane didn't want to but finally got talked into it.
We had fitted ourselves onto four stools right at the front window. It turned out the owner and a Brit from the Manchester area were sitting there. A natural conversation started and Diane got friendly with the owner.
Or maybe it was that the owner got friendly with Diane. Who knows? Anyway, we all had a great 20 minutes of diversion.
Then it was off to get some Belgian chocolates and some weed. All of the above accomplished.
You go into one of these coffee houses and even if you don't buy anything, the second hand smoke will get you.
A slow walk through the Red Light district with all of the curtains closed - too early, and then down to the train station and back to Soest.
So, that's Amsterdam.
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