Amsterdam

New campsite - had to learn a new way to shower, wash dishes, etc. I gave up on the shower because I couldn’t work it out. No signs anywhere to say how to work them, but even if there were, they would probably be in Dutch, which I wouldn’t understand. Later on David found out that one has to get a special token from Reception, which wasn’t open at the time anyway! The hot water for washing dishes is on a timed rationed amount, but is boiling hot, so you have to mix it with cold to make it even bearable! I got the hang of it by the 2nd night! But I just thought, “How can I even think about whining when all around me people have real problems!“

After the initial petty frustrations, we went into Amsterdam on the Metro and had a very interesting day. We chose to visit the Red Light District museum which shed some light on the business here, where it is legalized and they pay taxes and have strict rules and regulations. They are policed to prevent human trafficking and have regular health checks and free health care.
Then for a change, for lunch we had - guess what? Frites and frites saus, this time with croquettes!
After that we had a wander around downtown and around Dam Square for a while, taking in the atmosphere, passing some pretty decent buskers, several cheese shops and the smell of cannabis at every corner, (as it is legal here and readily available).

Then we went on a guided Tour of Amsterdam from the vantage point of the many canals. This was when this blip was taken because I was amazed at this very thin house! Apparently taxes are paid according to the width of your house, not the depth or the height! That’s why they are all so tall and thin! Apparently they have long gardens behind too!