Last Day

Why do people ask me for directions? Do I look like I know where I'm going?  Today, I gave directions to a Chinese guy who was trying to find the flower market. I knew where that was since I was just coming from there. As for me, I had to ask myself--how hard is it to follow the Amstel?  It's a river and therefore, the widest canal. But somehow, I got sidetracked by an inferior canal.  I didn't go too far out of my way but I had to consult my map which should have been unnecessary.

It was the coldest day I've had so far but I walked to the Jewish History Museum which is a great museum; glad I didn't miss it. It's made up of 4 old synagogues which they've connected and traces the history of the Jewish community in Amsterdam since the 1600s. What I liked about this museum and also the Anne Frank are the interactive computer screens that you can use to choose interviews or explanations of different things.  The attendants insisted I take a free audioguide. I don't use audioguides. My fear is I'd look like the people I saw at the Louvre--30 people listening to an audioguide while looking at a painting; all 30 turn at the same time to look at another picture while listening to their audioguides.  I took the audioguide but I didn't like it.

Across the street in Waterlooplein is a gigantic flea market that has existed for over 100 years although they used to sell food and essentials back in the day. Today, they sell typical flea market items--clothes, purses from Italy, tourist souvenirs, hash pipes and cannabis lollipops.  From the number of bikes, I could tell the locals shop there. Really, some nice stuff and good used clothing.

After a final attempt to eat lunch at Singel 404--I've tried everyday for 3 days because it's supposed to have the best sandwiches in town--I gave up and went to McDonald's since it is my civic duty to try a McDonald's in all capitol cities of the world. They had loads of people working there--fastest service ever. And I got a Big Mac and small coke for only $7. I guess you have to pay extra for the Irish beef they use and cokes, of course, are more expensive here because they use sugar, not corn syrup. Like in China, they had "more seats upstairs" but in this case, there was at least another floor above the one I went to. Unlike China, no one grabs your tray as soon as you're finished and I had to carry it downstairs to the Dank U bin.

It's Saturday so the city is full of people--I could barely get in and out of my door (in the Magic Mushroom picture, my door is not the one with stairs, but behind the postcard racks.  On the Amstel, I saw two boats full of college-age girls singing karaoke. On the Spui (which the Dutch insist rhymes with "cow"), I saw the pedalsaloon which was all men drinking beer at a bar, pedaling it around the city.  When I looked up their website, I saw that Denver has the same attraction.

I walked up to the Dam one last time, figuring something would be happening. There were horrible singers in the middle of the square, under an "Occupy" sign. It was unclear what was being occupied since there were signs for the "Spanish Revolution."  The street performers here have really been a disappointment. Accordion is popular. Also, fewer than what I've usually seen in Europe. The best to me are in Poland where there's a virtuoso violinist on every street corner since no one has a job.

Finally, I tried to eat at Nes 41 which is another recommended restaurant but everyone must read both Rick Steves and Johnny so it was packed. Some British women behind me were rushing to their reservation at the next restaurant down the street so I figured I'd give that a try. The place is huge inside but I was lucky to get in without a reservation--it was packed by the time I left. I had meant to try the white asparagus dish in Belgium but didn't so I had that. I think there's several variations but mine had ham, a hard-boiled egg, fingerling potatoes, melted butter.  Very tasty.

Tomorrow I head back to the Paris airport; leaving Monday morning to go home.  I had booked this round trip ticket before I knew where I was going. I should have changed the departure to Amsterdam but didn't think about it. So, it's a train to Paris Nord; train to CDG; shuttle to my hotel.  A long travel day but I'm sure the most difficult part will be getting my suitcase down these stairs.  So not the end of my journey, but the end of the blog.  See you in the US!  And Happy Mother's Day, Mom! (and you other moms, too).