wow, all that work...

So for those of you who are wondering if I made it to Amsterdam in one piece, I did. The reason that I didn't update the blog earlier as I promised, is that the library that I was intending to use is clsoed, and I spent most of the afternoon looking for another affordable sight.



Okay, I feel pretty stupid now knowing that the business centre at the hotel is free.



Let's blame it on a very long day. The flight, on the Florence Nightengale (really!) was pretty uneventful. It left fifteen minutes late and arrived fifteen minutes early. That's my kind of arithmatic. I slept for about an hour on the plane, and woke up to the rustle of cellophane as everyone around me opened up their breakfast plates, which I missed. Oh well.



I found the train and was relieved that some things actually seemed familiar. However, apparently I lost some of my good sensibilities in the lack-of-sleep zone. So intent was I on following the signs to Westerkerk, which I know to be a block from the hotel, that I got a little turned around. Here's the thing about Amsterdam: very few of the streets run straight. Most of them curve around in this big bowl shape, and some of them do so rather subtely, so it is a very simple matter to be going the wrong direction. I had a map, and a good one, but it wasn't convenient and so I thought I could follow the signs. Let's just say that my 17 minute walk, according to mapquest, was closer to 40. That's okay, I needed it by then, but I sure was hot and sweaty when I arrived at the hotel.



Which may have been to my advantage, since just before my plea two others were turned down for early check in. I have a lovely little room, looking out on the courtyard. Of course, there were stroopwaffels waiting, and I have to say that is one of my favorite things about Amsterdam. That and the coffee. What a combination!



Anyway, I slept for about an hour and a quarter, then made myself get up. I figured if I could keep going until 5 I wouldn't feel guilty about going to bed after that. It was a little tough at times but I did it (it's not 5:15!)



One thing the Dutch do very well is cheese and bread, and there are dozens of little bakeries around that serve bunwiches for take out lunch. Oh they are good. Nice and chewy, very sharp old cheese, and this time, some lettuce and chives. It was great. Supper on the other hand was a little more difficult to find. I was too late for lunch, too early for dinner, but eventually I found a spot that took pity on me. It was an interesting dish, though I wouldn't likely order it again. And it wasn't as plentiful as I was hoping for right then, but I've decided not to worry about it because I have a dozen stroopwaffels in my bag just in case.



I also found the Albert Cruyp market today. What a hoot that place is. It's like the Byward Market on steroids. And it has everything--clothes, souvenirs, fresh fish, french fries and mayo, shoes, bags, scarves, knickyknackies. I wasn't must in the mood to buy, but it was a good walk and people viewing spot. I didn't take many pictures today either since it rained most of the time. And, I was just too tired to care that much.



All told, it's been a good day. Tomorrow I head to Groningen. Hopefully internet will be easy to find there too and i won't have to wander all day to locate it!