Monday we left Paris and took a train to Amsterdam. The ride took about 3 1/2 hours and was quite comfortable. Upon our arrival in Amsterdam we verified the train information we would need when we move on to Berlin, and began the search for a hotel. After checking in on about 5 different hotels and discovering they were a bit more than what we wanted to spend, we came across a sign for a hostel. We weren’t originally planning on staying in a hostel, but we thought we might as well check it out. So glad we did. We were able to get a private room with a shower for 30€/person per night. The only shared area is the toilet and common room and the price includes breakfast and free wi-fi. The shower has more room than any we have experienced thus far. So overall, not bad. After we got the room, it was time to go out and see the town. This time we took a hop-on-hop off canal tour of Amsterdam and hopped off at the first stop to visit the Anne Frank house. This is the house Anne Frank and her family were hidden in during WWII. Her father Otto Frank was the only member of the family to survive the war and he was an integral part of turning the house into a museum. It was very well done and quite moving. Next we hopped back on the boat to complete the canal tour. This city is so much more smaller and manageable then Paris, and the weather quite a bit cooler too! Perfect conditions for walking around the town (yes this included The Red Light District). One of the local food favorites here are french fries with mayonnaise and there are plenty of shops along the streets that sell them. Of course we tried. Yummy! We also went to Icebar & 4D Ice Experience. This is a bar that everything is made of ice to include the glasses you drink from. I have to say it was kind of a disappointing experience. I think my expectations were too high. This morning as I’m writing this blog entry I’m eating breakfast In the common room of the hostel and listening to the news. It sounds like we left Paris just in time. The union workers are striking and the rails and metros are having very limited service. Whew . . . Glad we’re not dealing with that! Ok. . . .time for me to go and explore more Amsterdam.
