amsterdam

wow, this place is something else. words cant really describe it.

if the 600,000 bikes that you see in the city as you walk out of the train station didnt tell you that this place is something different, then certainly enough the lady knocking on the window in the red light district trying to lure you in for some of her "services" did. the "coffeeshops," which ironically enough may not even have coffee at all are very interesting. we went to one where the entire place was a giant pilllow. there were no chairs for the sitting but rather just pillows, bean bags, cushions, etc. quite nice really... but that gives you an idea for the sort of "difference" i am talking about.

and speaking of red lights, at first walk through the red light district after meeting up with elsbeth, i felt like a little schoolboy. it was almost ridiculous. it is 2 in the afternoon, a bit chilly and overcast and we are having a nice stroll near one of the canals to find a kebab. my head is on a swivel you know, we have only been here for a few minutes so the curiosity at this point is killing me. i am still not in the amsterdam mindset, not used to all the amsterdamish qualities-- the sex, drugs and hustle. over my left shoulder i peer and this half naked "woman" is staring me down. i mean i cant help but laugh... but i felt like a little kid laughing after seeing his first boob or something. nate and els both made it a point to tell me i was acting childish. anyway, i believe it was at that point i felt like i was in amsterdam.

and i will say the kebab to follow was quite tasty. amsterdam, after all, may have a contender in the top 5 kebab list.

and finally, nate is quite decongested at the moment. he came down with a cold venice'ish. so he is battling through it now. we went to the pharmacy this morning in hopes of getting him some decongestant. however, in holland, pseudophedrine (that could be a completely made up name for the drug that is the common decongestant-- but it sounded quite technical to me) is completely illegal, 100%. how in the hell do you make pseudophedrine illegal when people are smoking pot all over free of any care? i got a kick out of that.

all else is well. i was telling my parents that this is the first backpacking trip i have been on where the thought of staying on the road really doesnt make me cringe. usually at this point, my bed and some clean clothes sounds nice. and while these things do sound fantastic, i could handle some more hostels i think.