Well, we land and its raining. We expected it so no big deal. Actaully something different coming from Phoenix. Our Hotel is in a good location so after a short nap we decide to head over to Dam Square. Unfortuantly, that was also when it really started to rain, not just drizzle. A stop in a coffee shop, one with coffee, and it goes back to drizzle. Nice thing is that it really cut down on the crowds, as we would find out when we returned from the cruise. We tour the New church, wander around the red light district and head back to Dam Square for some shoppong recon. After a short nap, jet lag is a real drag, we head out for a nice Italian meal at Dante Kitchen and Bar. Well, I have a really good antipasto and pasta. Chris went with the lamb burger. Leading to the song of the day, "Lamb Burger in Amsterdam". My appologisies to Jimmy Buffet. Back to hotel for a really good nights sleep. On our way, we swing by Anne Frank's House. About 50 people in line outside at 9:30pm! Too tired to wait so we'll re evaluate another day.
 
Tuesday is a busy day. Chris is renting a motorcycle to go down to The Hague and Ryan and I are heading to the zoo. We walk together through the Bloemenmarkt, over the skinny brigde then we split up. Chris still has a few miles to go along the Amstel but the zoo isn't too far. We get there just as is opens at 9am so we have the place to our sleves. It is still overcast but not raining so perfect weather to wander the Zoo. Artis Zoo is an old Zoo but has a very nice feel to it. Its renovations have kept it up to date but it has lost the nostalgic feel of an old time zoo. A perfect example is the Aquarium. It has nice exhibit along with a natural history section displaying correspondance between Charles Darwin and the curator at the time. Kinda cool! Would be cooler if I could read his handwriting. What is it with doctors and scientists? Geez. We wander the oo until we're hungry enough to eat. A lady on the street had recommended the Cafe in the Zoo so we swing by there. I had an awesome tomato soup while Ryan's club was very good and huge. Recharged, we walk along the canal to the Rjks Museum. 

 Now, right up front, Ryan & I aren't big "Art" people. I can appreciate it but don't analyze it. That being said we did the Rijks in 20minutes. Paige would have still been in the first room! We swing by the I Amsterdam sign and head to the Van Gogh Museum. This we spend probably an hour in. Its arranged in chronological oder so you can watch him go mad. (I like his crazier stuff.) Thanks to Dr. Who, Ryan really enjoys this. By now its almost 3:30 so we head back by strolling through Vondelpark. Gotta remember to come back tomorrow with the bicycles. After a short rest at the hotel, Chris calls and says he dropped off the motorcycle and is taking the Metro back. We meet half way at Dam square and find a little place in the shadow of New Church for Dinner. Cote Ouest Cafe Restaurant is a quaint little place that we relaxed over a few glasses of wine. Apparently because its so close to the Red Light District it doesn't get a lot of traffic. Its not a cheap coffee shop and they say many tourist just head back to their hotels once they are done window shopping. Too bad; very good mussels and seafood!!
 
Wednesday we rent Bikes. I hate bikes. Ryan Loves bikes. We rent bikes. We deicide to head out of the city along the Amstel. Good plan except for the 'get out of the city' part. There is a reason I hate bikes. I grew up in the country where you had the whole road to ride on. Confining me to a bike lane isn't a good idea. In fact it is so not a good idea that I respond my kissing the sidewalk in Rembrandtplein. Well, not exactly kissing, more like hitting the sidewalk with the side of my head. On the plus side, it is early so I don't have many witnesses and even better is that the sidewalk over there is smooth. Minor surface injury except for a spot on my face where my glasses went into my head. Hey at least the glasses didn't break. On the minus side, I think I have broken something in my right hand, my right arm won't lift more than 90 degrees and my right knee has a hole in it the size of a dime. And i might have a concussion. So, what do I do? Yup, keep riding. We go through Amstel park and stop at a little cafe called Klein Kalfje for coffee. I pop into the Ladies room and pop a couple Vicadin that I thankfully carry for emergancy. This was one. We go as far as Ouderkerk aan de Amstel before turning around and heading back to Vondelpark. After lunch at the Film museum and a spin through the park, we wander through Jordan and find our way back to the bike rental place. Feeling like I'd like to find another kind of coffee shop, we decide to have dinner at the Hotel." 238" is actually supposed to be a highly recommended place to eat so its not too bad. Its really pretty good but all I can think about is taking a hot bath before I stiffen up.