Home » Belgium Netherlands » My Adventures in Amsterdam and Belgium

All year, I planned to take my vacation in Amsterdam/Belgium and now that time has arrived. To get me started for this elaborate vacation, I was invited to the Menchaca's double birthday party in Stockton. They had make-your-own burrito buffet set out, they had a live mariachi band and they had an Elvis Presley impersonator. When the Elvis impersonator left the building, then they started playing good dancing music and one of the songs was "Let's Get it Started" by the Black Eyed Peas. When this song played, I knew I was ready for Amsterdam! Everyone at the party did a 'soul train' and I had visions of Amsterdam in my mind!

My Adventures in Amsterdam and Belgium

PaulDaleRoberts
2007-01-29 11:34:14

Displayed times (last time: )

to my hotel near the airport which is Best Western Bastion Deluxe Hotel. My room number is 3339. A very nice room and this hotel provides a hot breakfast buffet. Eugenia Choo, my travel agent for Unique Travel has provided me with another great hotel, I must find a way to thank her when I return home.

What I like about my hotel is it is also surrounded by a canal and there are rabbits all around the complex. On this first evening, I head over to Amsterdam by train. A very easy smooth ride. In Amsterdam, I meet a local named Slatka, she assists me with helpful information in my navigation of Amsterdam. I stop over for some Dutch beer at Hotel dd Quarter and I am greeted by Michele and Saslva who work at the bar. Hotel dd Quarter has a very friendly atmosphere. They play good music such as Party Train by the Gap Band, Rock the Casbah by Clash and All Night Long by Lionel Richie. It really gets me into the mood for Amsterdam. Michelle tells me a fascinating Holland Christmas story. She says that the children of Holland believe in Sunterclaas (the brother of Santa Claus). In fact he lives in Spain, rides a horse and has a black elf helper named Zwarte Piet. Like his brother he slips down chimneys to give presents to all of the children of Holland. Sunterclaas was born on the 5th of December.

Michelle says that she knew right off I was American from the way I speak. She described an American's accent, because we speak through our nasal cavities, she started imitating on how Americans talk, she was quite a funny girl. We discussed the culture of Holland and Saslva who is originally from Moscow, Russia says that Americans have no culture. I looked at Saslva and said...'hey, we have Hollywood!" Michele & Saslva both laughed as Saslva went into a dancing routine to Rock the Casbah by Clash.

I can't believe how many canals are in the Netherlands, I would think I landed on Mars. You know, Mars is known for it's canals. In Amsterdam, ...