Free day in Amsterdam today. Took it pretty easy as I have been here a few times before and wasn’t in a rush to get anywhere in particular.
My plans for a slight lie in were foiled when I was awoken by a piercing alarm. After attempting to sleep through it, then exchanging looks with my fellow hostel roommates, we realized it was the fire alarm. We tried to wait it out but the wailing persisted. We put on our shoes and went into the hall. By then, others were returning to their rooms.
Someone had burnt some toast. Ah, hostel living.
I crawled back into bed but at this point it was nearly 9 am and I wanted to get online to book a ticket for the Anne Frank House. I lay in bed and hit refresh on the ticket page for 45 minutes until I finally secured my spot.
Eventually, I cycled into the city and had breakfast at The Avocado Show – a popular place in the trendy De Pijp neighbourhood. I had avocado pancakes. They were delightful.
The day was spent cycling around the city, looking in some stores, reading my book, and checking out a Brewery in an old windmill. The weather was nice – actually quite warm. I was dabbing the sweat from my upper lip regularly throughout the day.
I almost got into several accidents while cycling. I am used to a slightly faster pace than city riding generally affords. Riding a bicycle through Amsterdam in rush hour is an experience.
I am glad I saw the Anne Frank House. As expected, it was sad but also inspiring.
In the evening I met a friend for drinks and dinner in Oost. She is also from Vancouver and we commiserated about various lost in translation moments with Dutch people.
A pretty laid back day in Amsterdam – certainly a lovely place for such a day.
Tomorrow will be a rather long trek up to the north of the country where I will stay in Groningen.
DOTD
I failed again to capture any dogs on film. Instead, myself and a bunch of dawgs the last time I was in Amsterdam:
An Idiot Broad Abroad 