Amsterdam 2011

Travelogue

October 15

Off we were! Tina and I flew from Frankfurt to Amsterdam for a short vacation and because I was going to compete in the TCS Marathon.

The flight was easy going and we landed on time. We took the train and the metro to the Olympic Stadium where I picked up my starting package for the race. Afterwards we went to the hotel and met up with Lino and Erik. Erik had not been able to get decent flights so he drove for 9 hours from Denmark to be with us - awesome! We had a welcome beer together until Sam & Jen (no party without those two!) arrived. Fabulous seeing them again!

We had a great pizza and pasta and were all in a good mood until Tina said that everyone would have to get up early to be able to go to the marathon together - "What we're on vacation!?" Haha...nice one - great bunch!

Back at the hotel we ended the night with a couple of beers and went to bed early and almost sober - it was just great being together and having fun. Well, Tina, Sam & Jen and I did. Erik and Lino had other things in mind...

October 16

The day of the race - TCS Marathon

In the evening we went out and tried Indonesian food. It was ok but nothing spectacular. Indian food is way better in my opinion (and not only in mine!). We checked out an Irish pub that was supposed to play heavy metal. "What, heavy metal?" Jen talked the poor young barkeeper into playing at least hard rock and a bit of heavy metal which was awesome although unfortunately no MANOWAR available (I'll be honest - we still had an awesome time!). The whole place obviously loved the music and so did the barkeeper. We enjoyed ourselves to the max and tonight Jen and Tina  did "an Erik"... ;)

Back at the hotel we finished our wonderful night and everyone was just damn happy. Our group was small but nonetheless - good times!

October 17

Unfortunately we had to say our good-byes to Sam & Jen after breakfast but we knew we would be meeting them again soon in the UK for the MANOWAR tour. So that kept us happy. The four of us left for the city to do some sightseeing and we started off with a boat tour. Tina wanted to do a longer one than I did but accepted the one hour trip - being happy that it didn't take any longer because hey let's face it - a canal is a canal and will always be a canal.

We headed into town afterwards just walking around randomly - getting a taste of Amsterdam. In the red light district we endured seeing big fat ugly women sitting in windows and waiting (they still probably are!) and smelling the annoying taste of marihuana and hashish. I hate that smell and it sucked because there were so many coffee shops. Sure it's legal over there but still - besides smoking your brains out at noon, hmh...

We went into a nice pub instead and enjoyed ourselves a beer while eating great burgers. The beers were awesome and when we got the bill I finally knew why they hadn't had the price on the menu - the one I drank cost me 8.10 Euros - Holy Shit - new record!

Walking around we found a small amusement park at the Dam. We decided to ride the Ferris wheel which gave us an awesome view of the city. We bought some great tasting cheese and were ready for some more beer!

We found a nice pub where they served Murphy's and had a splendid time - just talking and drinking. I asked the lady where the restrooms were and she said down the stairs. I said, "Shit"  because my legs were tired and in pain after my run yesterday. She said there's a lot of good massage places here in town. Tina looked at her with an intent glare and she quickly added "Without a happy end..." We had a big laugh!

Leaving the pub we decided we were hungry. Pizza - yeah - a slice maybe? No - not that one - this one - no - eh, should we go in here - maybe - are you sure... The place was great and Tina and I ended up eating delicious tuna spaghetti followed by a delicious tuna pizza - any questions - no - well, in that case - thanks...

We got back to the hotel where Tina went to bed because she was totally knackered. Erik left shortly afterwards so it was Lino and I. We drank and talked having a cool time together until the barkeeper told us that he had to clean up the place for breakfast. We moved into the lobby and finished our last beers (sounds familiar, eh!)!

October 18

Time to go home. We said good-bye to Erik and wished him a safe journey before heading to the airport. Everything went smoothly except for the flight back home. A lot of turbulence - I hate flying and it's actually getting worse but in the end it's worth it!

We arrived home at quarter to 7 happy to be at home! Done.

Amsterdam was cool to visit but also expensive as hell and I really hated the pot-tourism. The Dutch were friendly and all in all the stay was worthwhile! And I've never seen so many bicycles in my entire life - just go and see for yourselves!