Amsterdam, Nederlands

• Arrived at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport; grabbed train to Amsterdam's Centraal Station (downtown)

• We were immediatly pounced upon by guys (we refer to them as "vultures") offering hotel and hostel rooms (we must have looked like tourists!)
• Found a hostel for 40 Guilders per night per person. It included a private washroom and shower. The room was located over a drug bar. One could not use the toilet without having one foot in the shower. The shower lacked hot water in the morning. Room rating: The room SUCKS (2 nights).
• Lots of bicycles ..... bikes seem to be a major form of transportation in downtown Amsterdam.
• Lots of canals ...... are we in Venice?
• All the locals seem to speak English (and quite well).
• Visited the Rijksmuseum ..... learned about Dutch history (they're always being occupied by some invading force!) and culture ...... saw some of Rembrandts' masterpieces here.
• Visited the Van Gogh Museum .... the world's largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's works .... interesting.
• Went "window shopping" around the infamous Red Light District ..... FYI, the going rate is 50 Guilders.
• There seems to be dog s**t everywhere on the cobblestone streets and sidewalks
• Yes, I took a piss into the canal (I heard you were suppose to do that!).
• Total: Two sleeps in Amsterdam.
• Plan: Catch the early morning train to Munich, Germany.

For more information visit the City Of Amsterdam Web Site or the Amsterdam Heritage Web Site.

Two new arrivals standing outside Amsterdam's Centraal Train Station	Standing in Dam Square with all the damm pigeons.
Walking, in search of a hostel.	Amsterdam has lots of bikes and canals.