Change of Plans...Time to Change Cities The shuttle broke because the driver put the wrong gas in it, so today began with a change of plans. Took the bus to Leiden and the train back to Amsterdam and checked in at the hostel downtown. Went for a slow walk to the FOAM museum (FOtographie AMsterdam) and sat in the sunshine in the square at Leidseplein. Walked through the shopping district, caught up with Kelly through skype, the internet and a nap before headin...

Hyacinth Happiness Up in time for free breakfast and rented a bike to ride with a group form the hostel to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. The ride was so beautiful, but the SMELL was even better! There were entire fields of hyacinth in bloom in different colors. I wish I could bottle that smell and take it with me. We navigated through many streets and giggled at how badly we pronounced the names. I have so many flower pictures now that I'm not sure what to ...

Beachy Fun Felt really rested as I woke up to sunshine and caught the free shuttle to Noordwijk beach. Dropped my gear and went for a walk down the beach. Watched couples, dogs, waves, shells, paddle boarders catching waves and horses pulling buggies down the surf. Shopped for some groceries and walked back through town to the hostel. I have learned about some foreign junk food I love! Chocomel (like a yahoo drink) and cookies called Pindakoekon with choc...

30 Kilometers (18 miles) of bike riding cheesiness Dropped off laundry. Rented a bike. Rhymed in my head while I biked over 24 km today along the Amstel Canal to a town south west of here called Ouderkerk A/D Amsted and then also through town and Vondel Park. Bikes are so different here. High handle bars that make for great posture, little "ding-ah-ding" bells that you get to ring at cars, motorbikes, walkers or whatever and it is not considered r...

Short 'n' Sweet Sleep. Shower. Walk. Museum. Shops. Thai food. Vondel Park. Vondel park is Amsterdam's version of Central Park in New York. I have cracked into the rhythm of this city and just today feel confident walking around without a map. I love hearing the ding-ah-ding of the bike bells around the city and the sunny-happy parks and tulips everywhere. Tomorrow Plans: Rent a bike and ride. Fri&Sat- Go to the beach & see the Keukenhof Tulip Gard...