1st stop: amsterdam

As I say about many European cities...Amsterdam is a truly unique and fabulous city. Similar to Venice, Amsterdam is filled with canals that run between stylishly old buildings, row houses, and market squares (typical age of buildings is 16th century!). The city is very environmentally friendly, much like Portland, and most people ride bikes to get around - there are thousands, everywhere. People come from all over the world to check out the architecture here. There is a very hip scene going on in this city, with great little boutiques and decadent restaurants. We felt right at home!

Our first four days were spent here, exploring the city. We visited the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, went on several boat tours on the canals, visited the Van Gogh museum, walked a gazillion miles, gawked at the Red Light District (yes, the girls are posed behind glass windows, literally at eye level with street walkers, wearing almost nothing - it's shocking to say the least), explored Vondel park, shopped, and had some of the best food of our entire trip. Amsterdam is definitely a city I will return to - I LOVED almost everything about it (besides the prostitution, and they get a lot of rain).

A lovely little canal

I like my savory breakfasts...so, it was a sacrifice to go with Jeff to the Dutch pancake house :)

On one of the main canals

Typical row houses you will see in Amsterdam, all hundreds of years old

This bar we had to stop into for an afternoon beer - isn't it so cute? Been around since 1695!

There are bikes EVERYWHERE in Amsterdam - this is the primary method of transportation

Our second night, we had the most fabulous 3-course dinner of our trip at Seasons restaurant. Charming, friendly, and designed for gourmet foodies is how I would describe it! A must-visit if in Amsterdam.