Calm Before the Storm...

Amsterdam, Holland

December 30, 2007
N52°22.800
E004°53.320

The tourists are pouring into they city in droves to celebrate the New Year. Today, instead of braving the crowds, we steered clear of the city center and explored our neighborhood. We’re staying in an apartment in the Jordaan district; a hip, trendy, and at times swanky, neighborhood, just a few canals west of the center of the city. It has a feel similar to Polk St. in San Francisco, from Lombard to California.

Shelby and Dustin returned from their day trip to Brugge around 11:30 this morning after getting stuck in Antwerp for the night (train issues… no more to be said). They showered, slammed a couple cups of coffee, and we hit the streets of the Jordaan shortly thereafter. We wandered through little cafes, sat next to the canal and grabbed a few beers, and played some eight-ball in a coffee shop. It was nice to explore the canals and the neighborhood without rushing to see a certain site... no plans, just time.

After several stops and hours later, we made it to Restaurant Cinema Paradiso for an early dinner. The restaurant is similar to Foreign Cinema in San Francisco, illuminating classic movies on the screen as customers dined on pizza and pasta. The food and movies at Foreign Cinema are better, but we still had fun since we were with the whole crew.

During the day tomorrow we'll head to The Hague, avoid the crowds in Amsterdam, and see another part of Holland. Don’t worry though; we’ll be back in time to bring in the New Year with the masses. Happy New Year!