Home » Netherlands » Amsterdam

I arrived in Amsterdam [Sunday] after a pretty boring flight [ie. I wasn't seduced by any international sportsmen]. I landed at 4pm local time and made my way through the aiport excited to see signs in English and shop names that I recognised. I enquired about a train but couldn't fathom getting my suitcase down stairs on my own. A taxi was going to cost me 35E so I wasn't too keen on that idea either. I ended up getting a shuttle which dropped me right outside my hotel and was considerably cheaper than a cab - well done Nat!<br />

Amsterdam

Natalie Moore
2006-03-03 19:31:47

Displayed times (last time: )

went back to the hotel to shower and get ready for Mel. She sent me a text at 7pm saying that she was downstairs having a drink - did I want to join her? What a ridiculous question! I dropped everything and raced downstairs to give my best friend a huge hug. We chatted for a little while but then had to get ready for dinner. I had organised that morning to have dinner with a lady called Swee-Im who works for the same company as dad and who I had met only once when she was last out in Australia. Mel and I got ready and walked to Dam Square [about a 30min walk] to meet her. It was so nice to get a motherly hug! I enjoyed Swee-Im's company immensely when I met her in Australia so I knew that the evening would be pleasant. It was, however, so much more than pleasant! Swee-Im is one of those angelic people that you wish there were more of. She took us to a lovely Chinese restaurant not far from where we met and over great food and wine the three of us chatted like we were old friends. After dinner Swee-Im helped us get back to our hotel and we arranged to meet her again the following evening.

Mel and I woke up on Tuesday morning with such grand plans. We didn't really accomplish any of them but we had an awesome day regardless. We headed off towards the flea markets and of course got waylaid at the flower markets [which we stumbled upon very serendipitously], a bookstore [of course] and a gourmet chocolate shop. Oh, and we had coffee too. The flea markets were an interesting array of different goods. My favourite store was one that sold tshirts with crazy phrases on them. The most pertinant for me was one that said 'if you think I am a bitch you should meet my mother'. For those of you who know my mother and the unique [but wonderful] relationship we have, you will certainly understand why I found it so apt.

That took us most of the day believe it or not. We got back to the hotel at 4pm and for the first time since I have ...