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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

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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!

During the 15min ride to my hotel I instantly fell in love with Amsterdam. It is so well organised, pretty and clean. I realise pretty is a rather undescriptive word but that is just so perfect for Amsterdam. And people ride bikes everywhere! I have of course read about this phenomena and seen it on travel programmes on Amsterdam but it really is quite different to see it yourself. Simply marvellous - surely there can be nothing better for one's consitution than cycling?!! The cleanliness and order definitely appeals to my Virgoan nature.

My hotel was less than pleasant and very sparse. It made up for this though as it was in an excellent spot. As the hotel was so unwelcoming and uncomfortable I dumped my bags and left immediately to go for a wander. I did this for a good couple of hours. Amsterdam is easy to navigate and I enjoyed walking around soaking up the atmosphere. I never once felt unsafe and to my surprise didn't get lost. I had some dinner at a lovely cafe which overflowed onto one of the main squares. I stayed out until I was too tired to continue and went back to the hotel [haagen dazs icecream in hand]. I slept well considering how excited I was about meeting up with Mel the next evening.

Monday morning I was up and showered early. I took Anna to breakfast with me [Karenina, the book. She comes with me everywhere now] and was overjoyed to have a decent coffee with ...