... oh - and great food, beer and cocktails.
I did love Amsterdam.
TheChap and I had a disgustingly early flight (big thanks to DadCabs for the even more disgustingly early ride to the airport) so we had a full day in the 'Dam on Friday. After booking into the fabulous American Hotel and a quick coffee in the Cafe American (a fabulous Art Deco cafe in the hotel), we headed off to the Anne Frank house.
It was strange to see the reality of a story I know so well. The tour of the whole house was amazing and moving. It was astonishing and heartbreaking to see a photo of the Anne Frank memorial spraypainted with a swastika by neo-nazis.
Here it is unsullied...
We headed towards Spui and to De Bieraard, one of theChaps favourite bars. The people watching is brilliant, as loads of bikes go past, as do the trams. It was here where I fell in love with Framboise - Raspberry Beer. My that stuff is good!
After a rejuvenating nap at the hotel for a few hours, we headed out for Rijstaffel just off Leidesplein and discovered a fab rock bar called Black and White. You just have to love The Rough Guide. It never fails!
This was cut short by a desire for a wander around the red light district. My. What an eye opener! The erotic museum was good for a slightly disturbed giggle, although I don't think I will ever get over seeing photgraphs of Victorian people having sex. The men kept their shoes and socks on....
One of the canals in the Red Light District
Saturday was TheChaps day. It was a Celtic vs Rangers 'Old Firm' day, so finding a pub that was showing it and a seat was a priority. We ended up in the wonderfully named 'Durty Nelly's' - an Irish bar on Waarmoestraat. The match ended up 3-0 to Celtic, so at least I had a very happy chap on my hands that day!
Happy Michael and Kirsty - courtesy of a fellow Bhoy.
Another nap to recover, and out to a Greek restaurant. They had a restaurant cat! This makes me happy.
Sunday was the Van Gogh museum and meeting up with TheChaps friend Pieter. This lead onto an impromptu evening of fondue, rum and cocktails.... I can heartily recommend Golden Cadillacs and Bellini's in Harry's Bar on Spuistraat. Thank heavens for a late check out on Monday....
Our last day was spent bimbling about enjoying our last hours in a fabulous city. Amsterdam... I will return.
KxMore phots up in the Amsterdam album...
