Gezellig in Amsterdam

Goedendag from Amsterdam! Our 50 minute flight was actually shorter than the amount of time it took us to get from Phil's apartment to Gatwick Airport, but we made it with enough time to spare even though Gatwick was heaving with holidaymakers.

Our hostel is only a five minute walk from the train station and right in the heart of the Red Light District, so the location is great. The hostel itself is adequate but not spectacular. The dorms are a little small and it feels as though the place is more like a bar with hostel facilities rather than the other way round.

After navigating our way to the hostel on Tuesday afternoon we met a very tired looking Anna, who has just finished an exhausting 22 day camping contiki trip! We had a little wander around the city before having a bite to eat in the bar, a couple of drinks and made our way to a coffee shop where we had a lovely piece of cake. It was a bit dry and could've done with a large helping of double cream.

After making a slow start to Wednesday we managed to visit the Anne Frank house and then peddled about the canals of the city for an hour which was a blast. Fittingly we ended up close to the old Heineken Brewery where for 11 euros you get a little bit of history, a little bit of interactive fun, three fresh brews and a free Heineken gift to take away. Not a bad way to spend your afternoon!

We've just finishing a three hour guided walk of the city which was good fun too, and it's always nice to learn a little bit of the history of the place you're in. The best part was that it was free! (we resisted to tip, despite the constant reminders of the tour guide)

No complaints on the weather front either. It's stinking hot today and I dare say within a couple of hours I'll be in need of another refreshing beer. Things are definately quite gezellig right now for us. I'm told that gezellig is a local term for anything that 'allows good times to happen, or has a good vibe about it'.

Unfortunately there is no facility to upload snaps at this internet cafe, but hopefully we'll have more luck in Brussels which is where we head to tomorrow morning.