Day 657, 21 Mar '16, Amsterdam Walking Tour & Albert Cuyp Markt
There is a shopping street (Kalverstraat) and a centre (Kalvertoren) right next door. One of the bargain tips we've picked up during our Amsterdam research is probably the most economical breakfast in town - at the department store Hema it's possible to buy a baguette with an omelette and bacon, with a croissant and jam and a coffee and OJ for only €2.25 each. Just a coffee can set you back €2.50 - so huge bargain. Seemed like a cracking idea for our first morning in town and we'll definitely be heading back. After breakfast we walked the Kalverstraat down to Dam Square and joined a Sandeman's New Europe free walking tour - 3 hours! Check out the album to see what we saw. We visited the Bloemenmarkt - or floating flower market just opposite our house on the way back and flowered up. 8 euros for 50 tulips - went with the purples. One of the best things about housesitting - especially right in the middle of a city - is the ability to come home for lunch/coffees/feets up (then hit it again in the afternoon). We overbought groceries in France so lugged them with us, including some vino (thank heavens for trains). Certainly came in handy as we could whip up lunch without having to go to a supermarket. Fed and watered and it was back on the tram and off to Albert Cuyp Market. It's over 100 years old and covers 2 kms along Albert Cuyp Straat - Food, flowers, veges, clothes etc - all good. Bit quiet on a Monday but only 10 minutes from home on the tram... we'll be back. Tomorrow - the museums begineth!