Amsterdam

What a start to the contiki tour. Christmas Day, I am just lonely and homesick. Across the globe for Christmas when all I wanted at this moment was to be with family. Well that is what I plan so I must live with it. Austin and I jumped on the bus in the pre dawn hours only to stay in the bus for about nine hours. Mostly due to the underground train channel troubles with the tour bus having difficulties leaving the train once in France. Due to the coldness gears and pipes froze thus making it really difficult for bus to start up once in France after the train. We Spent a good 3 hours trying to communicate with the French and starting the engine. With sure luck we accomplished this and were on our way, delayed to Amsterdam. Night was fairly uneventful; we ate dinner and went to bed because we were beat. The net day was full of exploring. Visited a cheese and clog construction factory. In this place they still make clogs and cheese the old fashion way. Very intriguing and fun. Picked up some delicious cheese for myself to munch on during the tour. The clogs were so cool but not too comfortable in my opinion.

Next we headed back in town to enjoy sight seeing and exploring Amsterdam. First stop was to see the powerful but very depressing Ann frank house. Absolutely amazing. But so sad at the same time. Amazing the stuff Jews had to endure… hope that this will not be repeated. After that we were quite hungry and needed something to pick up the mood, so we headed to a pancake house that Austin’s sister recommended. By far the best one in Europe. I ordered a bacon and cheese pancake that was very good. Odd but very satisfying. Austin on the other hand ordered a pancake with chocolate and ice-cream. Good but very questionable. Toured around some more and enjoyed the sights that Amsterdam had to offer. Later we went and ate at a wonderful Chinese restaurant where I successfully stuffed myself to the gills. Now I am here, about four pound heaver, just hoping to sleep well for tomorrow's bus ride to Germany.