Look out for the bikes

Day 2 in Amsterdam, we started by touring a Diamond factory called Gassan, it was a pretty informative tour, the lady leading us was very much an expert, and very funny which made the tour entertaining.  We did not buy anything, we would have to sell our house first!

Next stop was a family-run cheese making store and also a place where they make clogs by hand. The gouda cheese made here can have many flavours, with herbs and peppers added and we were allowed to sample all of them.

After this, Sofia, our tour guide took us to Volendam, a small tourist town just outside Amsterdam by the North Sea.  The area is quite busy, but peaceful and very laid back. Now this would be somewhere to retire. 

Finally we had a couple of hours of free time in Amsterdam. Remember in the UK we talked about the dangers of trying to cross the roads, especially near round-a-bouts? Well here in the Netherlands, over 50 % of the population ride bikes. Some are small scooters, motorized but most are the normal two wheeled bike. So many in fact, that every street has a bike lane so while we are okay now crossing the streets, we have to be extra careful once across to watch out in both directions for the bikes.  They must have a bell and they are not afraid to use this bell to get you to move, because they are not going to stop.  It is just crazy around here.

And yes my fears were correct, I was presented with a new name tag today. At dinner I am now known as No Nuts!! We are all getting along so well, the group is having so much fun together with lots of laughter.  We had dinner in one of the old buildings last night. The buildings here in Amsterdam are not all straight, due to their age and rotting foundations.  Many of them are leaning outwards, with hooks sticking out from the roof peaks. As you can see the houses are narrow so if you live up on the top floor, you may not be able to get furniture up the narrow staircases, so they open up the windows and with the hooks, they hoist up the furniture and into the window.

After dinner five of us decided to go to the red light district, but in doing this we got caught up in the Gay Pride parties that were being held. We had quite a bit of fun there and walking down the district so we got in very late last night, therefore no update time.

I struggled along today, not feeling great. Barb was okay but the day was a travel day for us.  We left Amsterdam and headed for Germany. For lunch was had an hour and a half cruise up the Rhine where we saw some great sites. The country side is hilly with small towns by the river in many places.

Then off to Heidelberg for a walk through the old town and finally we are here now in Mannheim Germany for the night.  It has been busy but wonderful and we are having so much fun with all of the folks traveling with us.

Tomorrow we are up early to travel to Munich, then we will be off to Innsbruck, Austria for two nights!