In Amsterdam

The plane had a front view camera, from underneath, which gave an interesting view when we landed. Once down it was a quick walk through to customs, a bit of a wait, and then I got changed (why didn’t I do that on the plane?) and collected my bags. While I waited for the bike I started repacking my bags for the ride. Once the box turned up I started the (sweaty) work of putting it all back together.

All in all it took about an hour to be happy with it all. I left the box (which was torn in places) and went out to the airport. I used the free Wi-Fi to check the map and then put some water in my bottles from a fountain. I went outside and immediately decided I needed to put my thermal top on, it was chilly!

Ah, finally, out on the bike! A very pleasant meander from the airport, immediately through into the country side and quit country lanes. I meandered through the burbs of Amsterdam and Vondelpark and then almost directly to the hotel. Around 17K’s I think.

The hotel is quite new and looks quite nice. I was way too early to check in so I left my bike and gear, got changed, paid for my room and then headed into Amsterdam. A pleasant enough walk; only a couple of kms to (a former co-worker} Andrew’s place, so I walked a bit further before heading back.

The live in 5 story house of which they have the top 2, with a great view. It is very peaceful up there and very hairy! 3 cats J We went out straight away for lunch to a pleasant Italian restaurant and (I forgot to photograph it) I had a meatballs penne. We also had cheesy cauliflower and tomato eggplant and all washed down with Chianti. Nice! We had a good chat, Andrew wanted to hear about Optiver Sydney and I wanted to hear about living in Amsterdam. Afterwards we picked up a dessert each and then went back to their place for tea.

I left about 4 pm and wandered home where I did some unpacking and charging while watching TV and reading. I also did most of my washing after a very relaxing shower. I struggled at times to stay awake and eventually conceded defeat around 9 pm.