Nederlands Day 2

 Today is Netherlands day 2. You missed day one. We didn't. We just didn't write anything because there wasn't much to write about. We took two trains and two metros from Rouen to Paris and Paris to Amsterdam. This amounted to approximately four hours of travel. Once we were settled in to our new accommodation we decided to test taking the bus to find dinner. It was quite easy! Our apartment is close to a couple different tram stops and bus stops and you just use your bank card to tap pay. It's so easy and convenient. 

Today we had one thing planned--our Dam Boat Guys canal boat tour. Our chosen Airbnb is quite out in the hinterlands relative to Amsterdam's core city, so it takes between 20 and 40 minutes to get to some places in Amsterdam's old part where all the stuff is. The tram was packed and we got separated as soon as we got on the tram. Once we got to our stop I had maneavuered to a door and Libby and Janet had not. This resulted in me getting off, and the tram driver closing the door just before they could exit the tram. They ended up getting dropped off at the central station, and making a miraculous sprint to the meeting point, and Dam Guy's HQ with time to spare. Libby is rightly proud of herself for navigating to the tour HQ with no hitches and no help :)

The HQ could have been ripped out of downtown Bellingham with the old grimy wooden floors, open space, and relaxed feel. There was a Dam Boat cat that was far too good for the likes of us, and a dog that came in with who we discovered was our boat guide. The 90 minute canal tour was a lot of fun. It was us, and a family of five from Atlanta (the mother via Australia). Our guide never (as far as I can recall) said his name, but he talked a fair amount about himself (not in a bad way). I would never have guessed it based on his accent but he's from Sweden, and his main trade is as an independent photographer. 

It was less of a "tour" and more like a meandering boat ride through canals while chatting with friends. It was very convivial. 

 After the boat ride we had a bite to eat and got to wandering. Our goal was to get to the flower market. We saw some very fun gables and leaning buildings along the way.

There is an outdoor book market that Tommy wandered around in. And another bookstore we didn't let him go in. He had to choose the "No Books" direction :(

We did make it to the flower market and got some souvenirs and some frites for a pick-me-up. Then we headed to one of Tommy's favorite places ever: Wynand Fockink. Purveyors of Jenever. 

We were able to sample a few until we found one we enjoyed, then they poured us a glass. I had cranberry, mom had raspberry and Tommy had one that wasn't fruit flavored but it was powerful. The counter where you taste/order is so small and the place is just jammed packed it's hard to maneuver. But it's worth it. 

After our tipple we found a tapas place for some dinner then made our way back home.

Tomorrow we are checking out an open air museum!