Birthday #39

Wow. Last year I remember making a post about how great my birthday was and I vowed to make it better every single year.  I certainly accomplished that.

After what seemed like a super short 7 hour train ride we (Dave and Laurie traveled with me to Amsterdam) found ourselves with no available hotel rooms.  Which was just fine for me after a change of clothes but Dave and Laurie missed the naps they wanted to take.

We took a walk to a cafe on one of the many squares here, enjoyed some breakfast and had a few draft Amstels.  From there we toured the city stopping in one of the oldest bars in the city, learning that every bar has a cat and drinking local and very good Belgian beers.

After our rooms were ready, we showered, stopped by the hotel bar (are you sensing a trend?) and then went to wait on the edge of the canal for Dave's cousin to pick up up in his boat.  How amazing, a local tour guide - equipped with snacks, wine and the most beautiful views of Amsterdam.

We then visited a neighborhood outside of the city for an amazing dinner - great food, drinks and even more lovely conversation.

Of course, the night wasn't over, we had been up now for about 36 hours (besides a few cat naps on the plane) and drinking for about 30+.  We visited a few more bars and cafes and finally came back to the hotel after midnight.  I argued that we should keep going and drink the number of hours of my age, but I was overruled - not just by Dave and Laurie, by own body! :)

What an amazing day - best birthday yet!!

Touring the Canals with Martin and Ingrid

Touring the canals with Martin and Ingrid


The City streets

Old Sailor bar in the red light district

Someone is drinking too fast

Out hotel

Cafe Hoppe one of the oldest bars in Amsterdam


Cheers!


Comments

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