Oh, Dam!

If I could find one place in the world that would be perfect to celebrate my 26th Birthday...I think I chose right. And, if I could choose anyone to spend it with...I chose right again! 

I immediately emailed Mr. Heath Pope who was working in New Zealand and on the cusp of embarking on some travels of his own. If anyone would be down for an adventure on such short notice...it would be Heath. I wrote "Heath! You, Me...Amsterdam!" and the rest in history.

Me and Heath

There is no place in the world like Amsterdam. It is famous and rightfully so. This enchanting, canal laced city is humming and I was excited to see what all the fuss was about. 

Only here can you walk into a coffee shop and select from a smorgasbord of green treats or look at a menu of magical truffles for your choosing. Everything is "tolerated" here as long as you follow the city's golden rule "Do what you want, but don't harm anyone else while you're doing it". Brilliant! There is one exception though...look both ways not only for cars, but Bikes because they will hit you! And with the heavy traffic flow and fast pace of Amsterdam's bike coalition this will cause great harm!

Although it might sound like a place of excess and mind altering consumption it is quite tame, for it regulates itself and is well looked after by its own people. The only rough and rowdy crowd you'll find are foreigners in the Red-light district on a Saturday night. Bachelor Parties flock to Europe's Sin City to drink and "window shop" down the narrow alley ways. Ladies don't be fooled, you'll find our kind scarce late night here... unless of course you're on the other side of the glass door turning tricks for a living. Yikes! That's right, prostitution is legal, but forget about the pimps...these woman are considered entrepreneurs. 

After the initial shock passes you can find yourself easily filling the days here. Heath and I rented and apartment right on the canal. Cheyenne had stayed there a while back and hooked us up with Allan at www.bedandnet.com. This place was dope. We got upgraded to the pent-house suite and settled into our new home away from home for the next week. 

Out on the balcony at the new digs

The Pent House Suite

The Heineken Brewery was a must! It was more like an interactive"experience" than a working brewery, but it was rad. Check out these hilarious shots:

Where do you think you're going with my beer?

M'dam your hand is on my Heine

Why yes, I am the girl from the Heineken label!

Prost! Cheers in Dutch.

Heath, Heineken was happy to brew you.

The Van Gogh Museum good, but failed to really impress. Starry Night was a no show, but the rumor is all the famous paintings are in the head offices at Toyota! 

We also boarded a Canal Cruise that wove through he narrow waterways that make this city so unique. The house boats that line the canal edges are so cool and we were able to see the city from a different perspective...oh, and hear a little history along the way.

Houses facing the Canal

House Boat chillen

Heath and I did it up! Amsterdam has a captivating beauty that is original, tranquil and will leave you with lots of stories!!!  I couldn't possibly tell all, but perhaps the pics will explain our crazy adventures better than I can. Either that, or you'll have to experience it yourself. And with all the pun intended...I would Highly recommend it! ;-)