Let op! Drempels

Dutch is ever such a funny language. Han bought a snack which she devoured as breakfast in bed: roze koek. Not only does it have an indecipherable name, she said 'it tastes like something you'd eat in primary school.'

Policemen told us off for cycling on the pavement, in a rare stretch of road with no bike path. We'd become desperate to locate an eatery in the Moss Side of Amsterdam, where you can send money to the other side of the world from multiple establishments but not nourish your stomach without a huge degree of difficulty. Heavy rain squalls dampened our search for food until we stumbled upon a busier part of town.

We were headed towards Muiden, east of Amsterdam, which has a big castle strategically located to ward off invaders. Muiden is a small cute town that celebrates the Netherlands' traditions of maritime history and infuriating winds. Many old school boats were moored in Muiden's main canal, which was also lined with beautiful, serene and sombre homes. We walked around then retired to a pub where I had a hot chocolate and Han a couple of Skummkoppe beers.