Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Cycling in Amsterdam

We had the very good fortune of cycling Amsterdam. Menne's dad (Jaap) grabbed a few bikes and off we went, cycling 40 minutes into the centre of the city in the pouring rain. It was wonderful!

Amsterdam is out there! There are no rules or if there are, they are ignored. People walk, cycle and drive however and wherever they wish. And it is so crowded so the impression is one of complete chaos. One has to be constantly aware of what's happening in all directions. I loved it!!!

There are tourists everywhere, and many streets are lined with stalls and shops making a good living. One particular street we visited housed exclusive fashion houses. In one of the shops I found a jumper I liked. The price was 900Euro! It remained on the shelf. No wonder the paparazzi were wandering around taking photos of the shoppers - including us.

We stumbled across a shoe shop called Botticelli's! We took a photo - see at the top of the Blog. Nadine also found a fridge hanging from the top of a building. Where else would this be found but Amsterdam? The "coffee shops" seem to be having a profound influence on the way of life here.

The red light district was very seedy even in daylight. Fortunately we only skirted its periphery.

We walked around for about an hour looking for a restaurant to have dinner. Nadine spotted a tiny Italian place situated on a corner over looking a canal. The waiter was classic, chatting up every woman in the restaurant and any woman walking past, whether they were accompanied by men or not. He would speak in Italian to them, and the chefs in the kitchen were in hysterics - who knows what he was saying!! He made a joke about how kiwis always wear jandals (thongs) regardless of the weather. This was hilarious as Nadine has been wearing hers everywhere - rain, hail or shine.

Menne's family (Jaap, Neti, Renco - photo to come) are such wonderful people, so kind and cruisy. We have felt totally at home and a part of the family. There is a lot of love present; it is a very happy place.

Nadine has been looking more beautiful everyday. I am a lucky man.




Canal, Amsterdam

Us & Menne, Amsterdam

Jaap & David, Amsterdam

Photos of the day:
Flying fridge, Amsterdam

ING Building, Amsterdam

2 comments:

  1. You guys sound like you're having an amazing time. I love reading your blogg David - it's so poetic yet extemporaneous and unrehersed. Love your desire to keep Niddy safe on the Autobahn and your musings on her beauty - you've just earned yourself two decades of love and loyalty from me for that. Give me a niece or nephew and it will skyrocket to a lifetime of said love and loyalty ;-)

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  2. Have you not tried the mushrooms? than you know why there is love present everywhere :)

    I had to laugh out loud about the competition you guys are starting! It wouldn´t have been Nadine and David if there wouldnt´be a competition along the way. ;)

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