JandalTan: Potheads and Bicycles - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

We met up with Fresha and Kirsty (mates from Uni) at Camping Zeeburg on the outskirts of Amsterdam. It was tent city here and easily the most "young people" we had come across on our trip so far. Most of the visitors appeared to be students, either glazed over or giggling. Amsterdam aye.

The first night Fresha and I popped out to the nearest supermarket for some beer and food for dinner. The tomtom directed us into central Amsterdam where we were harassed by swarms of cyclists, one-way streets and a severe lack of parking. After half an hour (tomtom said 7mins) we had collected beer and food and made our way back. Unfortunately pea-bladder Lisle (Fresha) was about to explode and we were racing against time to make it back to the loo. Our route back was hilariously stopped by canal bridges lifting to allow a ship under (blocking traffic over the canal), there was also a bit of a jam up on the way. Made it in the end, an entertaining ride for some.

After wandering the streets for a bit, we hired a paddleboat and cruised around the city canals. The main rule of the paddleboat was to give way to everyone and stay on the right. It was a great way to see the city from a different angle. After this we visited the famous Anne Frank house and walked though the rooms where she hid out with her family for two years until they were captured by the nazis and taken to Auswitz. Later that evening, we had a walk through the red-light district, seeing woman "advertising" their services in the windows of shops.

It was awesome to catch up with old mates along the way and have a few beers - in Amsterdam of all places.

The oneway street we drove up in search of beer. The tomtom had a kiwi guy reading directions "lets pull a you-ee and go get a mince and cheese pie!!"