Friday 16 October

We get woken up by a knock at the door. It's a guy checking who we are and giving directions. We get up and get packed and move to the warm dining room/kitchen with wifi. A good move. It's a grey damp day. We check out but stick to the kitchen for a while. Looking at places we want to go. Then trying to squish then all into the remaining days! It's not actively raining when we head to the train. It's nice to be out and see the countryside. They have a separate bike/scooter lane with lights and everything. It's a very popular way to travel. We see groups of children being pushed in large wagons by segways. The train is warm and takes us to Central where we get off and switch to an intercity train north. Apparently there is a music festival and the accommodation costs are ridiculous and unaffordable. Over $1000 for a few nights. At alkmaar about 40 min north of Central Amsterdam we walk through lovely narrow streets to our accommodation. It's very nice and private too. We relax and do more planning till we dash out to buy groceries before sabbath. We drop off the food and check out the neighbourhood. It has an awesome vibe with it's canals, bridges, bricked streets and fairy light balls hanging in the streets. It's so lovely. I love it! We walk around to a main bridge and I see at least two ppl carting dogs about on their bikes! One in a front basket and one being pulled in a trailer. The houses are also cute. Storied narrow (although not to narrow. Just right) homes. It's magical. We come back shower and eat and look forward to bed!