Paths to Explore: Walking the Streets

Our first day in Amsterdam was a lovely one. The weather is a bit cool but perfect for being out all day wandering the streets, observing people and enjoying the sites. My DH is improving but not one hundred percent yet so we have to slow things down a bit.

We headed off to Dam square which is a veritable hub of activity. Wandered in and out of stores and places. Bought a few souvenirs and post cards for mailing. Stumbled upon China town and a beautiful Buddhist temple. Saw the Marijuana Museum and discovered you can buy cannibis brownies, tea and lollipops just about everywhere. There are also a number of varieties of seeds that one can plant. It’s a whole education on its own! As you walk through the streets there is a lovely sweet smell that drifts by from time to time, no it’s not the water!

We came across a market as well. No negotiation happening here. So the print that I liked got left at the stall. I refused despite my DH still being willing to pay. “After all,” I said “it’s only the first day, I might see something that I like more.” A stop for refreshments was in order in the afternoon, fresh squeezed orange juice is lovely and quite a bit more expensive than the beer we discovered. It also provided us with a good laugh.

We have tried the Sea Palace, the first floating restaurant. The food (Chinese) was great and the setting is fabulous. Whether you see it by day or lit up by night it is quite an impressive structure. My friend FC and I spent the evening planning the next few days of events. And then we still have to fit in the trip to the tulip fields, the wind mills and we must not forget the wooden clogs! So the hope is that health improvements will continue and that we will still get to cross a few items off of our list of things to see and do.