April 20th
Trying to get back on the daily Dutch track. While reviewing chapter 2, noticed our canal became a haven for different sea birds today: 3 diff species of gulls, 2 species of ducks, and a swan. One of the small gulls landed on the sill of the Gassan mirrored windows; he did not like the gull staring back at him 🙂
Went to AH for deli meat. Asked again about my glasses – no dice. Found turkey breast for sandwiches – flavorless. Accidentally ate half of a large bag of Doritos with my sandwich; I guess I’m addicted to “Cool American Flavour”.
Ikea furniture arrived. Wasn’t difficult to assemble, but haste makes waste. Luckily, the damage I created was easily hidden.
April 21st
Day 3 of Dutch class. Ik heb bruin haar en bruine ogen. Ik heb ook een zus, een moeder, een oma, vier tantes, en zes ooms.
Crap hit the fan at work as I was walking to class. Not my fault, and that’s all that matters to me.
After class, Kathryn and I met up with Greg and Doug from the weekend party…back at the Andaz bar. MMMmmmmm…bitterballen.
Walked home after midnight. Was a weird vibe. Many small and narrow streets between the hotel and home were still fine. When I got onto Jodenbreestraat around the corner from my apt, I felt like I could get jumped at any minute. Nothing happened, but the air felt charged. And we don’t live in a bad neighborhood at all.
April 22nd
Trying to nail down whether or not I have to fly to NY for work. We may meet some friends in Italy over a weekend in May, but that may conflict with NY. Can’t get a straight answer out of anyone there.
Didn’t leave the apt, except to get mail. Got my European Health Card today.
Nothing else of note (except I might be coming down with a cold).
April 23rd
Fending off the cold.
Kathryn found out she has the 14th and 15th off. Looking at Italy on those dates instead. Flight prices incredibly high.
Fourth Dutch class. Two songs this time, and both times I understood nothing.
Drinks afterwards at Cafe Tripel. Got to know Sergei and Ben a little better. Teacher spent some time talking to Kathryn.
Another walk home around midnight. Same vibes as last time, though a little less as I walked through more touristy streets.
April 24th
Best part of the day was my wife coming home late from “the drink” and deciding we should eat close to home. There’s an Asian place named Woo Bros. Asian tapas, but really good food.
April 25th
Scavenger Hunt! Went with the class around the city. Weather was rainy, but we learned a little more about Amsterdam, and Kathryn felt like she’s finally getting the language.
Post hunt, Kathryn and I decide to go to Utrecht early. We walked around a bit, and Kathryn did some shopping. We then sit at a cafe when the rain started to pour. No waitress ever came out to help us, which was fine overall.
We met Guido and his wife at Mexicaans Restaurant Popocatepetl, a chain that comes closest to the Mexican food we love in the states . Unfortunately, they seem to be in every city BUT Amsterdam.
After dinner, we went to watch the National Girls Choir sing medieval songs with a medieval “orchestra”. Was a really nice night.
April 26th
Kathryn had to return/exchange some things, so she spent the morning running errands. When she got back, we tried to get some good pizza, but the place was closed. We ended up nearby at Cafe Nel, which was fine overall, but again a crappy burger.
After grocery shopping, we stayed in for the rest of the day/night.
Restaurants Visited
Andaz Hotel Bar
Cafe Tripel (drinks only)
Woo Bros
Mexicaans Restaurant Popocatepetl (Utrecht)
Cafe Nel