The Unexpected Amsterdam

This town was full of the unexpected. First, unexpectedly, my credit card was cancelled because there was a breach of my personal information. Thanks! I appreciate that. But, unexpectedly, our hotel was wonderful. Exactly the right break from the rest of the hotels I'd stayed in.


The day began, bright and early, when the rooster woke us up, Becca!


Our first stop was the Anne Frank House and museum. Unexpectedly, it didn't look at all like an old house. Turns out, they built a very nice front on the house, partly to protect it, partly to spruce it up for the tourists.

The row houses in Amsterdam are quite gorgeous, and they line all the canals. Very quaint.

The Homomonument, dedicated to those who have been persecuted for their sexual orientation. The couple sitting on the monument was arguing, unexpectedly, considering the monument is dedicated to peace and stuff.

Lots of gorgeous old buildings were around the main square. We took a canal tour to see the best of the city, and we were not disappointed.

All of the houses in Amsterdam are fitted with these pulleys. Because the houses are so slender and small, they lift their furniture into the building through the windows, as opposed to going through the front door and up the narrow, steep staircases.

The same millionaire that decides he needs to make me a princess and put a huge chandelier over my bathtub also needs to put a disco ball in any room in our mansion. I also enjoy the balcony mount too.

Now, you may be saying, wow. Looks like Amsterdam is one big party--disco balls on balconies! Well, you have no idea; neither did we.

Unexpected: it's Gay Pride weekend in Amsterdam.

Bonus: The parade route goes right in front of the hotel.

Blow Me Away: the parade is on boats on the canals!

Before the parade begins:

During the Parade:

HOLY COW!!! What fun. I love Gay Pride weekend, simply because they just know how to have more fun. Really. They put on such a show and are so inclusive of everybody. I loved it. Just take a look at the fun.

I really wanted to join the Showboys for their party. It was the biggest on our street.

They were all wearing silver on the bottom.

That evening, it was the red light district, where everything is legal and nothing is off limits. Smoking marijuana, prostitution--you name it, it happens. We were treated to an especially naked strip tease on a boat in the canal--whipped cream and whips and everything. Unexpected, indeed!

The next day, we visited the Van Gogh museum. He was a pretty good painter, but I was really looking forward to seeing The Starry Night. But alas, it was down for maintenance. But we did see Sunflowers and Irises. Very nice.

We then cooled off at the Heineken Experience. Lots of free beer. I may be double fisting a Heine here, but we all know I'm a diesel girl.