amsterdam

The tour booked a hotel on the harbor right outside the city. It was raining, wouldn't you know it, so we sat inside the solarium and had supper. The buffet of the local cuisine was more homestyle than the traditional fish and chips, but it proved fresh and filling. Group meals turned out to be one of my favorite activities. Everyone was there and one could always find good conversation.

A morning cruise, Netherlands style, started our day. We rode through the back village, passing over bridges, by goats, and 'round windmills. Later, some people rented bikes to explore the main city. In the city we attended a diamond cutting lesson while our fingers played dress up. Afterwards the streets offered tulip stands, dikes, and Heinekens' on tap.

Clogs and Cheese go together like skates and skis. (Okay, maybe a little better) This local clog whittler was just one of the many memorable characters we met throughout our travels. Volendam offered us demonstrations in culture-- and pasteurization. As for the 'clogman', we saw him later on that night down town wear'n his clogs.

When the sun went down, we got he party started with a cruise down the cities water ways. We sampled some local apple wine, and some scenic views impossible to see from elsewhere. In spite of how classy we felt, we were still spotible tourists, and along with local wine, we got local moon. Still, compared to a boat load of singing tourists (most of us on key, I swear), the Dutch were rather domestic.

'Tis the land of sex, drugs, and cheese-rolls. The tour offered a close and personal experience of the 'red light' district complete with sex- show souvenir. If that doesn't interest you, you're welcome to take a toke at a local coffee house' to see what's on the menu. The area is pretty safe, even for women, yet it can be a bit of a culture shock. The more people you have with you, the more to giggle instead of gawk.