Amsterdam

The journey from Victoria to my hostel in Amsterdam was long and tiresome. That being said, I met some friendly travellers along the way and got upgraded to a much better seat on the plane (it wasn't full). Upon finally arriving at my hostel, I spent another two hours trying to find a working pay phone to call mommy! Completely beat, I headed to my crowded hostel room. I didn't get much sleep as it was Saturday night and my roommates were content with coming and going all hours of the night.

Longing to put the long day of travel behind me, I headed down the nearly empty streets (apparently Dutch people dont get up till 10?) wandering my way across sidewalks and over bridges. It was cold. I managed to spot Anne Frank House and went for a visit. It was neat. I like the way the building is the main exhibit itself. Next off - to the Rijksmuseum. More walking! Upon entry of this museum filled with amazing artwork (peices from Rembrant being the most famous/numerous - and I can see why), I noticed most other people were wearing museum headsets. This is a bad idea for a crouded museum. This makes people unaware of their surroundings (e.i. they don't move, they walk into your path etc.). I am already unaware of my surroundings. Collisions ensued. But I survived and went meandering about some parks (Vondelpark etc.), finding a stand that sold the most disgusting hot dog I have ever had. In a bad mood after my lonesome exploration with increadibly sore feat, I found myself in front of the Heineken brewery. It was time for the "Heineken Experience," a tour/museum/exhibit of all things Heineken. It was a blast and the three (small) beers easily helped make up for the 15 euro cost. Much refreshed, I headed back to my hostel (as it started to rain), where I decided it was about time to meet some people. I grabbed a drink at the bar and managed to budge my way into a game of "Mau Mau" with some friendly Germans. Turns out "Mau Mau" is actually just crazy eights. After some encounters with some Australians, Americans and Brazilians; I finally found myself some Canadians! Two girls from Winnipeg. After a few another drink or two, me and the girls headed out for some late night Ice Cream and then attempted to find "Sound Garden," a pub that we were invited to by some locals working at the hostel. They gave horrible directions and we had to ask like 5 people and walk like 30 minutes before we finally found it. But we bumped into three of my roommates on the way (also confused and looking for "Sound Garden"). The pub had a hicktown local vibe to it. After some good conversation, me and my roomates headed back across the streets, stopping for some late night Kebap along the way.

Today I rented a bike and have been exploring the city, occassionly getting lost, but always finding my way back (without a map). Tommorrow morning I start the long bus ride to Berlin.

Pictures to come later (although I haven't taken too many). Not today though...