amsterdam

let me start off by saying that amsterdam was unlike any other place i've ever seen. people were so friendly (particularly delightful coming, as i was, from france) and more than willing to speak [flawless] english to help out a couple of lost american tourists.

we ate primarily italian food (again a refreshing change!) and soaked in the city at our own pace. i think we saw a good number of the major spots considering we were only there for two days: an afternoon at the van gogh museum (michael is such a good sport!), multiple walks in the cheery vondelpark, a canal cruise through the city, and even a tour of the red light district on our last night (no pictures allowed — i'm sorry!).

there is definitely more to amsterdam than legalized marijuana and naked girls in windows (though there was plenty of that too!). we loved that everyone seemed to bike everywhere, circumstances that made for some hilariously close calls with we pedestrians. save for the chilly temperatures and the guttural harshness of the dutch language, it's definitely a city i can't wait to go back to someday!

yummy restaurant for lunch on our first day. isn't the lighting cool?

michael lives on leeuwarden road in connecticut... perhaps this is the dutch translation?

peering into the windows of what i'm certain is the world's prettiest flower shop. we walked past it every day and night!

the view from our balcony.

interesting architectural details on our street.

a keyhole-shaped doorway?

we're such tourists. hey, it was the first time i've eaten truly american food since i've been here!

the view from the back of the boat cruise. it was freezing outside so i don't have nearly as many pictures as i would have liked.

pretty buildings.

more pretty buildings.

long lines at the anne frank house.

only in amsterdam... a parking garage for bicycles.

the site of the world's first stock exchange.

pretty hotel on the canal.

an afternoon stroll in the vondelpark.