Getting to know more about Amsterdam

There are coffee shops in Amsterdam and then again there are "coffee shops" in Amsterdam. As many of you know, Norman loves coffee. So during this week in Amsterdam we frequented a number of coffee shops. One of the best was the White Label Coffee. 

Check out their menu.

Steaming Beans in the 9 street neighbourhood claimed to be a Trip Advisor winner. Their presentation of coffee was quite specific! No cream allowed, not to drink the coffee until it slightly cooled. The tea must be timed exactly. It was good but....

The other coffee shops we just didn't have time to visit. Kate promised to help me with checking them out, next time. You can tell these coffee shops by the signage and of course the aroma of their products. This one was near our hotel.

Here you find happiness!

We settled for gelato. It was delicious! 

The other exciting activity was the return of Kate's back pack. 

Amazingly it traveled to Toronto for its own 10 day holiday. 

For our last day in Amsterdam Norm wanted to visit his mother's old neighbour, Tweede Nassaustraat. The place has changed since the 1920's but you can still appreciate what it might have been like back then.

We walked to Westerpark near by, where lots of festivals are held. 

The Gas Fabriek was used to produce gas for domestic use and today the buildings still remain.

The park has great outdoor spaces also.

Next we caught a free ferry across the IJ (the water) to north Amsterdam.

Aa usual Norm always finds interesting sites along the way. We passed the industrial sector of Amsterdam, probably not seen by most tourists, finally catching another free ferry back to Centraal Station.

We did all this in time for brunch with 14 of us from the wedding group at 1. A great way to finish off the weekend celebration. And delicious too.

A final note about our accommodations. The school hotel was a perfect place to stay, out of the tourist area and close to Duncan and Rebecca's. Service was good although not always fast. The free breakfast was perfect especially for us who love yogurt, fruit and muesli. But lots of bacon, ham, cheese and pastries for those who want more. 

And our room.....

Today we said goodbye to Kate, Holland, Karen, Duncan and Rebecca. We will see Kate and Rebecca at the end of May when we are back to fly home. 

And hello to Kees and Dineke in Nijmegen. A new adventure begins...... Started with a wild rain storm. So glad we were indoors. Sun shine predicted for tomorrow.