1. Biking in Amsterdam and nearby countryside was really fun. Besides, we got to see some windmills this way.
2. After ~30 minutes of riding, mostly following the Amstel river, we saw our first Windmill of the day.
3. Dutch people really take care of their gardens. This was just one of the many perfect gardens we saw that day.
4. Another windmill along the Amstel river.
5. One lane road (two-way traffic) with bike lane on either side.
6. Another pretty garden.
While Dave was taking this picture, I happened to see an old lady's grocery falling off her bike. I must be calling out to her to stop. :)
7. We stopped at a bakery in Ouderkerk, a small town along the Amstel river. The cake was really good.
8. For lunch Dave had 2 croquettes with bread (6.75 euros).
9. I had fried eggs with ham (7.75 euros).
Not bad considering we couldn't even read the restaurant's menu (in Dutch only). The waitress who spoke some English helped us to order.
10. One more windmill we saw that day. It is along Sarphatistraat on the eastern edge of Amsterdam, next to a microbrewery called Brouwerij 't IJ.
11. See that tiny building in between the two buildings?
12. Can you see it now?
13.
14. After our good experience with Chinese restaurant in Brussels, we thought we would try another Chinese restaurant in Amsterdam, so we walked into this one. Their dishes were delicious and huge.
15. Noodle soup with roast chicken (9 euros).
16. Noodle soup with honey roast pork (9 euros).
17. Roast meat combo plate (15.5 euros). Wish I can have it now. :)
Some tips from the trip:
- I could use my U.S. credit card at some Paris metro station's ticket machine, but not other's, so it is always good to have some cash.
- Several times in Brussels, we saw places only took Visa card, but not Master card, so it is good to carry both cards.
- Many places in Brussels and Brugge charged money to use the bathroom, so it is good to have some change.
- In America, we are so used to free refill, especially free hot water refill when I am drinking tea. But in Netherlands, some places will charge you another full price of the tea when you only ask for a hot water refill. I don't think it is fair, but I don't believe they were trying to rip me off either. I think it is a culture difference. So don't assume anything is free, always ask first.
(The End)
P.S. 1 euro was about 1.25 USD in Jun./Jul. 2012.
