Hotel Het Oosten Zoetermeer

... We follow the GPS into Amsterdam city. It is not a car friendly city. It has very few parking spots and the ones there are, are expensive to use. Most certainly a bike friendly city, lots of them coming, going and parked! It is incredibly busy with tourists too! We stopped at a hotel to ask if they knew where the campground was, she checked the information on the internet and yes it is correct. There were a lot of young Asian backpackers ...

... my friend! Hang in there and don't worry I am taking care of things for you here! As I had to go back to Amsterdam so quickly I had no time to look for a place to live, but Mira offered me to stay at her houseboat. And it has been great so far! Lots of laughing and talking with even more pots of tea! Life is not so bad at all, eventhough I am working now ;-)) Met up with Barry and the mechanical crew as well yesterday ...

... or even not show up at all. But I think it's safe to say, guys, don't bring your ladies to the Anne Frank Huis. What a way to kill the mood. On the bright side, it's so unreal to be there, absorbed in the history and story of one young girl. You get to walk through the house where she and 7 other people were locked away from the world, and have a better understanding of what this people had to live through. It gives you a deeper ...

... me because its much quicker, and I'm not in the greatest physical shape of my life (I'll blame that on the delicious fresh bread you can buy EVERYWHERE). So far I've played two games, one loss and one tie. The tie was actually a big deal because the teams moved up a class this year, which has been great for the first team, but not so great for our team. So far this season, losing ...

... would have a long metal bar poking out from above the top floor window, and would use a pulley system to winch the items up through the window. Good in theory, but if it was windy the stock would blow against the building, usually breaking windows or damaging the stock. Their solution? Tip the front of the houses forward! It was only later that it was also suggested that they extend the length of the bar instead. But i think it just makes Amsterdam all that more interesting ...

... new webcams. This enables me to communicate with Marianne and Josephine on a daily basis. I look forward to Marianne's recovery and Josephine growing up fast. I look forward to their visit in August. My next post will be launched from Washington. https://evisaforms.state.gov/ http://summerschool.georgetown.edu/docu ments/08B%20application.doc http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/visa_s ervices_contact.html

... Queen's Day on the list. Officially it is the celebration on the Queen's birthday. In reality it is an opportunity for a citywide sidewalk sale and mad partying. I've wanted to experience it since I've learned it happens so here we are and the crowds are gathering throughout the city. Orange wigs, shirts, banners abound in honor of the house of Oranje. Lines are drawn on the sidewalk with identifying markings so ...

... Louis XV of France, the Golden laurel wreath of Napoleon I of France, and a Coster Collection diamond necklace. At the end we were able to email ourselves the finished photographs, so it made for a cool memento. It was almost 5pm so we didn't have much time until the Van Gogh museum closed its doors at 6. We entered anyway, speeding through the rows and ...

... to get a one way 2nd class ticket into town (3.70 Euro). A train was scheduled to leave within the next 15 minutes so I didn't have long to wait. Train comes, I get on, 15 minutes to Centraal Station... this was going to be easy. Famous last words...... When I exited the station I easily found the tram stop but I needed to get a stripticket. These are usually sold in tobacco shops, bookstores, or groceries. Funny ...

... to store on my grandma's attic. I hope to be able to continue with these entries as my journey will unfold itself to me. Hope to keep in touch, but as most of you already know, this is not one of my stronger points. Normally i am too busy doing everything and anything. Chaotic??? me??? Well, take care all of you and remember to enjoy life, whatever you do! Talk to you again from South America!!! Adios!!!