Mercredi Gras?!?!

We awoke on our train this morning and made our way to Amsterdam. Let me start by saying this, Amsterdam is CRAZY right now! Months ago when we planned this vacation we did not know at the time that our first day in Amsterdam was actually a national holiday celebrating the Queen’s Birthday. So today was Queen’s Day and Amsterdam was wild. Picture this – Mardi Gras in New Orleans + orange clothing + beer + boats in the canals + techno music. This city was packed with people on every street and every corner. We didn’t know what to make of it at first.

So after we checked into our hotel, we thought we would try to blend in with the crowds, so we bought beer and headed out to the streets. It was actually a fun afternoon. It was the perfect day to people watch and listen to techno music (if you like that sort of thing). We are told this party will go on all night and I believe it. As I am writing this, I can hear the music in the streets below.

We also visited the Anne Frank house. It was shocking to learn that her and her family spent over two years in hiding in this house.

Tomorrow we are going on a tour of the tulip fields west of Amsterdam. They are in full bloom now and we can’t wait to share the pictures with you.

Shasta