Amsterdam city center

After 2 nights in de Pijp, we have moved to a more central location. It is above a cafe, with huge windows overlooking a canal. It is a little loud, but living by the Loyola students has prepared all of us for drunken tomfoolery. Once again we rented bikes and have been zooming everywhere, including the Miffy store. Miffy is a bunny, and she is Hello Kitty's predecessor and moral superior. She's also sued the pants off Hello Kitty for copyright infringement.

Also, thanks to Jani Hegarty, we discovered Nemo, the children's science museum. The building is shaped like a ship and designed by the architect of Centre Pompidou. Its roof has a great view of the city, with water steps children love. Zoe and I played chess on a huge chess set. Unfortunately, we also observed the explosion of a house boat from that height and watched as the whole city mobilized a response. We were told that no one was killed.

The secret door

The second and third nights, we stayed in a b&b that had to be entered through a low glass door. It looked like a secret door for elves or fairies.

The accommodations were luxurious, including a private patio that came with cats.

The place was 2 rings out from the center, close to Albert Cuyp Market. The air was full of market smells, and not a single stoned American idiot could be found.

The next day, we were determined to ride bikes like the locals. The place came with 2 bikes, but they were apparently built for tall, godlike creatures (the Dutch) but not us. Undeterred by my feet not reaching the pedals, I fell twice before renting bikes that fit us. Once on wheels, the feeling of coasting along with the rest of the Dutch was amazing.

First night in the Netherlands

Our first night, we stayed at the super modern concept hotel, Citizen M, right by the airport. Zoe was tired and chilly, so I carried her several blocks. Steve dragged our suitcase with the defective wheel.

The room was tiny but cool. It faced the runway. The shower and the toilet were transparent pods lit by changing spectra that could be controlled with a remote wielded by a 5-year-old.

The search for fairies

During our layover we visited Big Ben, because Zoe believes fairies live near by. Two were spotted, so it was a successful trip!

At Heathrow, some welcome treats.

The journey + London

Zoe was an absolutely amazing traveler. Not one complaint while staying up 2 nights. Minimal carrying.

And so it begins.

Last night Zoe was so excited she made me list everything we would do during the next 2 days. We got up to 15.