Amsterdam - Trams and Markets

Day 51 Friday 5 November – Amsterdam's Trams & Markets

Overcast again, slight breeze and occasional showers, about normal for here this time of year. First order of business was to buy some post-cards and convert some US$ to €, exchange is about three for two US$250 converted to 170,00 €.

Walked along footpaths crowded with parked cars, parked scooters, parked bikes and miscellaneous construction equipment. It appears that the bike is king in Amsterdam, the only thing that has to give way to everything else is the pedestrian. Fortunately the traffic is generally light and it is quite easy to cross the road provided you dodge the bikes.

Walked to the North Markets to find that they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays, missed by one day. Back on the trams and found the Flower Markets – not to be confused with the International Flower Market where the wholesale deals are done. Lots of the most unusual flowers and bulbs and seeds available in dozens of stalls.

Bought a small gift and decided we should mail it home. Found a Post Office, operated by TNT, tucked away inside a book shop. Bought the carton, tram back to the hotel, pack it and address it and back to the Post Office. 20,00 € to send 2 Kg to Australia with delivery in 8 to 10 days.

Off to the 'flea' markets, numerous food stalls, fresh food, clothing and even some patchwork material for Jenny. Tried a variety of food items, herrings with onions and a dill pickle in a bread roll – yum !!! The fresh “fries” were great too, served in a conical paper cup.

Picked up some bread rolls for supper and then called into the cheese shop near the hotel for some slices of cheese and wedges of apple tart.

Tomorrow we're off to Paris, the stay here has been way too short and it has been the most 'interesting' city so far. Street after street of unique buildings, canals that break up the landscape and the most extensive public transport system.