Nederlands

Arrived in Amsterdam last night. I've been staying in small hotels, but for the first time I'm actually staying in a hostel - my own room (if you can call it that, my walk-in closet in LA was bigger), but a shared bathroom. The accomodations are certainly nothing to write home (or to a blog) about, but the location is outstanding. Just behind Leidseplein, which is one of Amsterdam's liveliest squares... right around the corner from restaurant row and the major museums, and a short walk up to Dam square, shopping on Kelverstraat, the train station, etc.

I stopped at Wok and Walk for some quick-serve whole-wheat noodles w/ tofu, then at Australian for a waffle and what I assume is Australian ice cream which, I have to say, tasted strangely buttery. Buttery chocolate chip ice cream - that's a new one.

Today I did some window shopping on Kalverstraat, dropped by the Palace/Town Hall in Dam Square, had a quick 50cl of Holland's finest bier just off the square (where I discussed accents with my Brit waitress) and then over into the red light district. Grabbed some pictures of the Oude Kerk (old church, begun in about 1300) and then dropped my camera in my bag, as advised, before wandering the narrow alleyways housing the world's oldest profession. I also picked up an FAQ from the Prostitute Information Center... to share with those of you who have questions when I get back. ;)

The most interesting part? The fact that a daycare called Princess Juliana sits literally right next door to some women posing half-naked in windows underneath their red lights. I hope they offer sex-ed.