Amsterdam

I left Africa early in the morning on September 1. Instead of flying directly home, I decided to break up the flight between legs. I landed in Amsterdam about 4 pm on September 1, and flew out at 10 am the next morning. Although it seemed like a great idea at first, I started to have second thoughts that morning. What if I couldn't check my bags all the way through. I really didn't want to have to lug a 50 pound duffel bag around the city. What if my flight was late? Was about 12 hours in the city a stupid idea? I just wanted to get home and see everyone and unpack.

When I arrived at the Nairobi airport, one hurdle was overcome. Yes, I could check my bags all the way through to Seattle, so I was able to carry on everything I needed for Amsterdam in my backpack. And, when I arrived in Amsterdam, the train station was right at the airport, so getting downtown would be easy. My spirits lifted.

Of course, things weren't quite as easy as I hoped. I managed to get on the wrong train, but didn't realize this until the city receeded and we started passing small country villages along the way. After about a half our of village travel, I realized my mistake and was able to get on a train going the other direction. Minor glitch, but I did get a nice tour of the canals and old village buildings and farms.
I arrived at Central Station and began to head towards my hostel. Not a long walk, but it was quite lovely. Canals are everywhere in the city, and the old buildings are incredible. My route took me through the fringes of the red light district and past the many "coffeehouses" I had heard so much about. After a bit of hunting for my hostel, I finally found it. Took a quick shower and began to explore. I was determined to see as much of the city as I could in my 12 hours.
That night, I wandered around the streets, checked out various squares, and gazed at the canals. Stopped along the way at an outdoor canalside cafe for a beer. I walked around the red light district and grabbed some street food. Later, I stopped at a pub and watched some football. Then, back to the red light district. As it was later on in the evening, the action had picked up considerably. I had heard much about this area, but nothing prepared me for the reality of it. It was quite tasteful, with beautiful, young, scantily clad women showing their wares in identical windows all up and down the streets and alleys. A canal ran right through the middle of the main scene. Sixteenth century cathedrals were just across the street from the alley windows. Each window had red flourescent lights running all around them. Occasionally, the window would be empty and the light off.
As you can imagine, the people watching here was amazing. Most folks was strolling by, gaping at what they saw. I saw couples my parents age wandering and looking, as well as numerous other folks. I also saw shoppers. Some were young, college age kids, others looked like grandfathers. Completely surreal.

After my big night out, back to the hostel for some sleep. The next morning, I woke early to get my last exploration in. It was still dark, and it was actually raining a bit as I started to wander. I really wanted to see the Anne Frank house before I left, and I had to be on the train no later than 8 to make my flight, so I was walking through the streets about 6 am. Deserted, but quite beautiful.

Although I got a bit lost, I had fun exploring, and did eventually find the house. Unfortunately, the museum wasn't open that early in the morning, but it was still quite an experience to be there. After that, a quick walk back to the hostel to get my bag, and then my last stroll through the red light district on the way to the train station and my flight home. I was back in Seattle around noon after leaving Amsterdam at 10:30 am. The next morning, I was back at work with about 200 brand new cases to plow through.