a dutch easter

Last year, we jetted to London for the Easter holiday; this year, we decided to hop the train to Amsterdam. Mark had spent a short afternoon there a few years ago and I guess I'd been through the airport on a trip home, but otherwise, it was a first for both of us.

I couldn't get over how crooked some of the houses were along the canals. Each day, I pointed out dozens and desperately wanted to knock on their door to ask if I could place a marble on their floor!

We really lucked out with nice weather. On Saturday, we spent the entire day roaming the streets; living like a local. We stayed in an apartment near the Jordaan area and walked through a busy market in the morning before finding breakfast. Bikes, bikes, everywhere are bikes! We ate lunch along the canal, caught a canal boat cruise, strolled through the red light district, walked by the Anne Frank house and ended the day with a fantastic Dutch dinner.

On Sunday, we visited the Keukenhof Gardens outside the city. And that will get a post of its own tomorrow. It was so beautiful. On Monday, we walked near the Rijksmuseum and visited the Van Gogh museum. Thankfully we bought tickets before we arrived so we didn't have to wait in the long, long line... in the rain.

I really liked Amsterdam. It was a small town feel city. I really loved the area we stayed in and it was easy to be some of the only people on the street. I'd definitely return! Good thing it's only a short train ride away!