Amsterdam

My parents, Dave and I went to Amsterdam and our timing couldn't have been worse. Well, almost. The "Queen's Day" celebrations (hundreds of thousands of REALLLLLLY drunk people roaming the streets for 4 days or so) had just taken place so it felt like the city of Amsterdam had a hangover. Trash EVERYWHERE - in the streets, the canals, the flower beds, the sidewalks, etc. Trampled plants and really nasty things hidden here and there. It was not a great way to enter the beautiful city of Amsterdam for the first time. Especially with my parents - who as always, had the best attitude and just "rolled with it". Bless them.

Regardless of the mess, we had a great time and saw the beauty beyond the surface messes. 

Amsterdam is gorgeous and interesting and has so much life. It's really too bad that the whole "drug tourism" thing kind of overshadows the reputation, and sometimes the actual experience of the city. Anyway, everyone should visit, but avoid the weeks around May 1st, which is Queen's Day, or "Orange Day". 

Here are some devoted Van Gogh fans, gazing at the beautiful "Starry Night" in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. Visiting this museum was definitely a highlight for all of us. 

On our way to the VG museum, noticing that even the Rijksmuseum was not immune to the chaos and mess of the previous days' "Queen's Day" celebrations. 

Some leftover "orange day" flags.

My mom told me that this is a special vase for tulips. one tulip goes into each spout-like opening. I thought the cat design on this one was kind of hilarious, even though I love my cats.

Ahhh, more trash ... after a day it got much much cleaner. 

Some leftover "orange day" partiers, puttering around on some really unsafe looking "boat". They had a photo of someone on the boat but I couldn't figure out who it was. Maybe it was a photo of the Queen?

So many boats in A-dam. Everyone had a boat, or a bicycle. Kids coloring, hipsters drinking wine, couples snuggling, guys smoking cigarettes, old men yelling at each other, dogs barking, all done on boats. 

This was a "little red dress" in a boutique in the "red light district".

A small cafe where we had some yummy "dutch pancakes". They were like crepes, only thicker.

Dad with another traditional Dutch dish. I can't remember the name but it was mashed potatoes, carrots, and sausages and gravy. He loved it.

My mom eating her Dutch pancake.

Mom matching the tulips. This was the last photo taken here since they had a sign "no photos". What is that all about anyway? Don't they want to be on Luxemblog???  ;)

A cute man enjoying the purple flowers - the lilacs were crazy beautiful. And they were ALL over the city, and in so many different colors!!! Colors I've never seen!

Wisteria also had a very strong showing in AmDam. The biggest Wisterias I'd ever seen. And so like Holland - you try to take a photo, and "whoosh!" a biker zooms in and out of your view!

There were these seeds all over the place. Some trees - like Ginkos or something similar were dropping them. 

Some of those famous Dutch (Delft?) tiles.

People didn't have much outdoor space but that didn't stop them from enjoying the sunshine. Space for a plastic deck chair was all you needed.

People are FEARLESS on their bikes! This was a common sight.

Never saw a 4-seater before. Wish I got to see it in action!

Again, taking full advantage of any outdoor space - making a small entry into a lush garden.

Some really bizarre and beautiful flower from an ivy growing on the side of a bldg. I need to find out what it is. Anyone? Anyone?

On one of the boat taxis.

Cool shutters.

This sign says it all. Spliff and lovely architecture: the dichotomy of Amsterdam.

Everyone had tulips!

Some funky old-school vending machine restaurant. The cubbies were constantly being replenished and as soon as the one you wanted was full, you put in your money and pulled the door open.