Expats with Cats: Amsterdam

We planned the Amsterdam portion of the trip as an add on - Mom and Bill left for the US from Brussels, and instead of coming straight home to Lugano, we hopped on a three hour train for a short bonus vacation. Months ago, this seemed like a great idea. At the time of departure, however, I had my doubts. We were all pretty tired. Little did I know we were in for a treat... Amsterdam totally surprised us.

It took me a while to find a hotel I was comfortable with... I wanted to be in a quaint neighborhood, and as far away from the Old Center as possible. I didn't really want to suffer the awkwardness of taking my 16 year old sister past women in windows and stoned stag partyers. I managed to find a reasonable hotel in a very desirable neighborhood - one with only two hotels (because it's mostly residential). I was not disappointed. Yes, we had to walk up three flights of stairs to our room. Yes, the beds were... practical. Yes the trash can was a plastic bucket, and the shower with no door was equipped with a squeegee mop.

But... it was clean. The ceilings were high. The guests were nice. The neighborhood was perfect. And it was facing a beautiful canal. It was on the steps of this hotel, on said canal, where Bizzy and I enjoyed the wireless internet (that is only afforded to those within three feet of the front desk). I stared across the canal into beautiful apartments, and saw people enjoying the same incredible view. I considered it a budget victory.

The real hit of the trip? Bikes! We LOVED riding them. It all started with another bike tour... the guide was great, and showed us places all three of us wanted to see again. So when our two hours were up, we rented our own for the remainder of the trip.

Ryan and I made a Bizzy sandwich... he led, and I brought up the rear. Her "yielding" made me nervous. While on the move, this was my view of Amsterdam.

And here's a little video. We were passing through a really pretty park, trying to find the perfect place to sit and rest.

The bikes made us feel like we were really part of the city, and allowed us to get around without walking all day. They were the sit-straight-up-cruising kind (the guide called them dutch bikes). I had never ridden one before, and really liked it. I told Ryan I thought I wanted one for when we move back to the States, and surprisingly, he was thinking the same. I know the relocation material will suggest we blend into our new US surroundings as much as possible, but I want these bikes. His and hers! Although mine needs a basket. We might get made fun of.

And look at this picture - vindication! I am not the only one who lets my cat outside on a leash. For the record, our cats are declawed (hence the need for a leash).

We had pancakes, which were great, but the company was better. A group of German guys walked in, and in a very loud voice, went up to the counter and said, "WE ARE HERE TO BUY PANCAKES." Hilarious. Although that's probably what I sound like when I speak Italian.