Amsterdam Cont.

Yesterday started with way too many cappuccinos. By mid day I was reminded that my central nervous system short circuits when I indulge in too much caffeine. Note to self; jet lag is preferable to a tour of Amsterdam's public restrooms.

We took a boat ride through a few of the city's 100+ canals. There are waterways and bridges everywhere. The canals are like streets and traveling by boat was an amazing way to see a number of the neighborhoods. The city is a wonder. We floated by hundreds of houseboats and centuries old row homes. Amsterdam "claims more historic buildings sites than any other city in the world".

Amsterdam has a population of 1.36 million people (including suburbs) and it's obvious when you try to cross the street. If you've every wondered why most Europeans don't have to worry about buying two seats on an airplane when they fly...its because they get off their big fat fannies and walk or ride their bikes EVERYWHERE. In the city there is a car lane and a designated bike lane. You really have to watch yourself when walking in the city...you could easily be maimed or killed by a fleet of well dressed Dutch people commuting to work on bikes. Evidently there are about 600,000 bicycles traversing 400 kilometers of bike paths and they have a much bigger problem with bike theft than car theft. The people are disgustingly fit and quite tall. I was beginning to get a complex, so I looked it up on Google. The average height for men is 6'2" and 5'8"- 5'9" for women...so I'm not nuts,they are a race of giants. Actually, I feel sorry for them. Being vertically challenged, like myself, has it's pluses. After a long night of indulgence, I hardly have to bend over to take my socks and shoes off. I'm also not tempted to spend tremendous amounts of money on new fads like "skinny jeans" or those boots you wear over skinny jeans if your legs are the same width as your arms.

I've noticed that the weather is very similar to the Pacific Northwest...Bi-Polar. Yesterday we had fog, rain, wind and a few sun breaks.

Last night we met up with two good friends from Dublin, Richie Evans & Maire Scully. Tony stayed at the hotel with Lucca while I gave my liver a work out. Thankfully, I'm was none the worse for wear, even after topping off the evening with some questionable falafel at around 2:00 am.

Today we took a train to Alkmaar, a wonderful small city just a short train ride from Amsterdam. Justine, a PAUNDY member, is from the town and wanted to book a show at a local club for friends and family. PAUNDY has had an amazing tour, sometimes playing to sold out shows and Alkmaar is their 2nd to last gig.

I've heard that Amsterdam is an anomoly when it comes to the rest of Holland (imagine the rest of the world thinking that Vegas is a classic all American city). Alkmaar is well worth visiting. The older historical center is very well maintained and they are known for their cheese market. I was really looking forward to chowing down on some of Hollands finest, but the cheese market isn't open this time of year. Instead...we ate at a Greek restaurant. You may be asking yourself, "Why did they choose a Greek restaurant in Holland?" Well...my stomach is asking the same question now at 1:20 am. Between the cappuccinos and the Greek food, I should be fitting into those juniors sized "skinny" jeans by the time we get to Sicily.