We arrived via intercity train from Maastricht and, with our bikes, weaved through the crowds from the Centraal Station to our B&B, a short 4 or 5 blocks away. For anyone who has spent time in Amsterdam, you will recognize that a B&B within 4 or 5 blocks of the train station is likely somewhat sketchy. This is no different, although we feel quite safe with two police stations very close by :-) Our B&B owner had assured us that we would find "secure" bicycle storage close by but, once we arrived and checked out the security, both J & I decided that it was either keep the bikes with us, or find another room. Kees, our host, wasn't too keen on having the bikes onsite, but once we assured him that it was all or nothing, he agreed. Of course the trick was to get the bikes up 3 flights of stairs pitched at close to a 30* angle. We were pretty close to having to disassemble the bikes. With time & effort, we managed.
Our B&B windows look out onto a small side street just off of the Damrack, the main road leading from the central train station. Our apartment is directly above a couple of "brown" cafes, a "pizza by the slice" restaurant and across the street from a donair joint and a sex shop. Interesting company we'll be keeping for the next couple of nights.
All of the "interesting sights and aromas" aside, we've had a fun first day in Amsterdam. The Jordaan district, where we had dinner, is really interesting and we hope to spend more time there tomorrow.
Sight of the day ... Bikes are everywhere! There is an enormous 6-level parking garage JUST FOR BIKES at the Centraal Station. There are almost no cars in the city. Cool!
Tot ziens ...
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