We slept hard until around 6:00 am (12 noon Beijing time). We climb out of bed, dress quickly and go downstairs for a great breakfast. After breakfast, it’s back to the room and time to organize all our stuff for our days of Amsterdam touring.

We’ve packed and unpacked so many times over the last two weeks that I managed to not pack my jeans, and the only belt I have is the one I’m wearing. Looks like we’ll be doing some shopping while we’re here. We walk over to the nearby Central Train Station and get some currency exchanged for euros. I get some shopping advice at an information desk, so our Amsterdam adventure begins.

We spend a fun morning walking some of the nearby streets. I found some jeans and belt, and we ate some pizza, before we headed back to the hotel for a rest. Our hotel is in the middle of everything and a short walk to anywhere.

Going back out after some rest time, we get canal cruise tickets from the concierge. It’s been raining, but it just stopped, so we take advantage of the sun and climb on board a canal boat for a one-hour “see-it-all” cruise. It’s so interesting, and different from Asia. An added bit of interest is the World Cup Quarterfinal game tonight between the Oranje (the Netherlands) and Costa Rica. Orange is everywhere, and so are the soccer crazies.

Some of the soccer fans cruising the canals.

A few more soccer fans, warming up for the game.

After lots of walking and people-watching, we sit down in small café for Dutch pancakes. It’s similar to a thick crepe. We share a ham & cheese, and an apple/cinnamon.  Check out the link below for some video.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i0nfujfu3aodljl/AAAcRGdrk7M_kHWcNvsLtAoya

There are lots of “head shops” selling seeds and other “pot” paraphernalia, right next to a yogurt shop, or a McDonalds

We get back to the room around 7:30 pm. Our bodies are telling us it’s 1:30 am in Beijing. The jet lag wasn’t too bad today while we were out, but we’re definitely feeling it now.