We arrived today in Amsterdam after a 7 hour flight from Washington Dulles. The sky is bright blue and breeze is chilly--in other words it is a lovely day. Our tour guide Gerwin met us at the airport and escorted us to the Convent Hotel in Amsterdam Town Center (I think they call it something else and perhaps I'll learn/remember that before we leave). It's a great little property in walking distance from lots of interesting and appealing shops, restaurants, and great architectural marvels. The Grand Palace is right around the corner but it is being restored so it is not open for public access and is mostly covered in scaffolding. It is also hidden behind a carnival that arrived in town for the Queen's Birthday celebration which was yesterday. I'm thinking this celebration must be akin to Mardi Gras because the city looks somewhat like NoLa after a party weekend.

We are heading out for a walk-about with Gerwin then we have cocktails and dinner scheduled with the tour group. We tour tomorrow so I'll have lots of facts, photos and stories to share later. For now I'll tease with just a few photos.

Christi, note the Chinese Medical office directly across the street from our hotel.