We arrived in Amsterdam in the late afternoon and caught the tram to the hotel where we'd be staying with the Sklovens. Quite a bit different from the hostels we'd become accostomed to! We had arrived a few hours before they did, so we checked in and went upstairs to "clean up". This consisted of dumping out our bags, crawling into the shower with them, and hosing them off until the water ran from brown to clear - gross! Then we took all of our stinky clothes to the laundromat, making it back just in time to scrub ourselves for dinner. When the Sklovens arrived (from Africa, where they'd just spent a month climbing Mt. Kilamenjaro and safari-ing!) we all headed out to a great little Belgian bistro just down the street. It sure was nice to see some friendly faces after months of travelling!

Washing our backpacks, the Sklovens arriving from Africa.

The next day we gorged ourselves on the unbelievable breakfast spread (yummy belgian waffles became a morning staple) then headed out to explore the town. Our hotel was located in a prime spot, right on the Prince's canal, one of the many waterways that cuts through the city. Amsterdam is rung by a series of circular canals traversed by other canals, crossed by hundreds of bridges. Passenger ferries and houseboats fill the waterways, creating an extremely romantic atmosphere.

With the parents in tow, we stopped first at the tulip market, and outdoor flower market along the canal (the flower stalls are actually floating). Thousands of tulips and bulbs fill the tents with color and aroma.

We next stopped at Rembrandt's house, where he lived for much of his working days. This large townhouse in the center of the town is now a museum holding works from many of Rembrandt's apprentices. The house is set up as it would have looked when Rembrandt lived there, restored according to his personal records, his paintings of the interior, and inventories.

Hot food to go!

Amsterdam has about 750,000 people and 600,000 bicycles. The bikers will plow you over if you get in their way, too.

Later in the afternoon, we stopped by the obligatory Amsterdam coffee shop (still with parents in tow). Afterward, we took a sunset boat tour of the 17th century waterways though the city. The tour provided us with a unique view of the cityscape and canals, as well into the windows of the houseboats. That night we dined at a wonderful seafood restaurant, where we all dug into the Dutch speciality moules frites (mussels and fries) - delish! After dinner, we took a stroll through the red light district. Very intersting. Windows line all of the alleyways, through which you can see scantily clad girls lit up by blacklights. The streets are packed with not just "customers", but all kinds of tourists - male, female, young, old. These girls have gained a sort of celebrity status in the city.

The next day we visited two muesums, first the houseboat muesum, then the Rijksmuseum. The houseboat museum allows you to have a glimpse into one of the many houseboats that line the canals. These houseboats are beautiful, with interestingly decorated interiors and exteriors, complete with rooftop gardens. If I were to live in Amsterdam, I would live in one of these - though word is they cost quite a bit! Below are some of the houseboats lining the canals. The Rijksmuseum, our next stop, houses works by many famous Flemish artists, including quite a few of Rembrandt's works.

Notice how the buildings on the side of the canal have begun to warp to one side - a very common sight around the city.