Amsterdam to London Today!

Not too much to report today as we moved from Amsterdam on to London. Our flight was later afternoon, around 5:30, so we had a good bit of the day in Amsterdam and spent it lazily walking around. We opted to go out for a hot breakfast, as Jill was wanting something different from the usual cheese, croissant, ham, coffee, etc. - it was a nice morning and we enjoyed sitting outside with the locals for Saturday morning breakfast. Next, we visited a market and then hit the 9 Streets - a shopping area close to our B&B. We each splurged for a cool t-shirt, and picked up a really cool bathmat for the bathroom (which we're planning a poor-girl remodel of...).

Our trip to London came with a few challenges - mainly me having too much stuff and being cranky. But, eventually we did make it to our London hotel only to find it was unacceptable in terms of size and dumpiness. This town costs a fortune to visit, and even knowing that, this place was truly horrible in light of its cost ($110/night). Fortunately, I knew nearby was the hotel I stayed at last time...so I called and got a walk-in rate (a mere $170/night, rather than the book-ahead $250) for a small, simple double room. We moved immediately and were finally able to settle in. The Lime Tree Hotel, where we ended up, has the traditional breakfast included as well which offers some budget relief too!

The wrap-up on Amsterdam is that we both really love that city, and I kinda forgot how much. Still, I'd pick Paris over any city in Europe - but Amsterdam is so easy to get around and fit in...not to mention, they speak English, things seem to cost about what you'd expect, and there is plenty to do. The Dutch are just nice folks, to boot, making it a place I wouldn't hesitate to visit again - soon! Outside of a night-time canal ride, we hit pretty much everything we wanted to do.






A bit more of Amsterdam, and me in the Tube in London - artsy shot by Jilly.