Day 3: My Saga of European capitols
I spent the morning sailing on the canals and taking lots of pictures. Besides getting to see more of Amsterdam, I wanted to get a better understanding of the where the Cruise Terminal is, since the canal boat would stop there. And yes, I got lots of pictures of houseboats – even finding the one I was going to stay in. I also get a better understanding of how the city is laid out – and I really walked more than I thought yesterday (I’m feeling it today). The sun actually came out today – and now I am sunburned! At least I’m not cold and wet.
One of the things I liked is that I did not have to fight crowds. Of course, as soon as I got off the boat at Centraal Station – crowds galore! From Centraal Station, it is a very easy walk to Dam Square, which was packed with more people than on Saturday. Once you get off the main streets, you are into the Red Light District – and yes, it is everything people say it is and more — lots of coffeeshops, sex shops, clubs, a Sex Museum, and people watching other people.
There were some times walking in this area that I felt a little nervous being by myself – I was glad it was in the middle of the day! At night alone would not be a good idea as there are so many large groups of very rambunctious people – mostly guys here to party, but not always! It would be much better to explore this area in a group.
From there, I thought it would be good to find something to eat. I know I said that Mexican food it usually NOT good in in Northern Europe, but something told me to give it a try. So, after checking the menu to make sure there was no salami, I gave this little place a try. It wasn’t the best, but the beef enchiladas were not bad and even the guacamole was halfway decent. The Corona was perfect.
I then took the tram to the area where I was supposed to stay to see if I could find the houseboat – and yes, there it was – easy to find and across from the Heineken. Someone else had booked it, so it was probably good I changed my plans. As for the Heineken Experience – free beer anyone? From there, I walked along the canal back to Leidseplein.
On the canal, there is a Pancake house – they are everywhere! So, I thought It was time for a sweet snack and a coffee.
Then back to the hotel to write this update, organize my pictures and rest so that I can go out dancing tonight.
While writing this, I finally met Mimi, the hotel cat. She comes to the sound of opening a bag of chips, of course!
Travel, Photography, and Tarot 
Merely wanna state that this really is handy , Thanks for taking your time to write this.
Thanks!