Amsterdam

We rolled in off the train and weaved through a couple small streets and canals to our hostel. We settled into what turned out to be an all male (12 in total) dorm which pleased Rhi immensely. We went out and grabbed a bite before finding a pub to watch some euro soccer. Before retiring for the day we did the obligatory walk throughout the red-light district neighbouring our accommodation. For those that haven't seen it with their own eyes , the street windows are full of scantly clad females winking, yelling and pointing in your direction in a quick fire attempt to get you to succumb to their sexy charm and plastic tits. As a couple, Rhi and I strolled these streets like emotionless horse judges exchanging fair feedback for these desperate fillies. "She doesn't look that interesting whilst she's texting away on her phone", "Oh look at the bed and bathroom setup she has equipped herself with" and "Obviously a promotion for these girls is to get a street level window" were kind of remarks we went with.

The next day we got out and checked out Anne Frank's prior residence which was interesting and what would be the start of our second world war overload. Later that day we checked out the sex museum which was a handy contrast from Anne's joint and put a smile back on our face before another handy meal in the form a decent meat pie ('PieMinister' - look it up if you visit) complete with 'deadorse'. That lined the stomach for a couple froths accompanying another big euro match at the pubski.

The following day we hired some bikes and rode a good distance though parks, canals, markets and cool new warehouse type real estate developments. One of my favourite days yet in Europe I thought as we rode next to the canals, sun beaming down, stopping for some great Italian food and micro brewery jars. As I touched on in Ghent, I have discovered a love for canals. When they're done well waterways can define a city and they have sure done that to this place! I can see why all the artists flocked to the beautiful areas of this city. All in all Amsterdam has some tacky (red-light) and commercialized (central) areas that aren't so good but if you get on a bike and out into the burbs you can soon see the massive charm that the parks, independent shops and eateries and canals bring to the table.