It’s a clear, cool morning. Perfect send off to Switzerland and onto The Netherlands.
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| Early morning train out of Luzern |
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| Not as many trains run through here |
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| An hour later we’re at the Zurich airport |
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| Quite the large airport |
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| One more chance for German pretzels for breakfast |
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| There’s a full mall in the airport |
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| Yes everyone buys flowers |
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| Small food court |
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| Actual full grocery store |
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| Did I mention everyone loves pastries here |
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| $31 for this. At home it would be $20 |
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| Bye bye Switzerland |
An hour and a half flight from Zurich and you’re in Amsterdam. The train is 15 minutes and costs $5. By contrast a taxi will be 30 minutes and run you $90.
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| And the bikes…. |
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| … two story bike racks |
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| My lovely hotel |
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| Interesting hallways |
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| Old newspapers |
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| My quaint room |
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| Love the fairly descriptive and accurate map of the city |
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| Light rail right outside the room |
The building below was the home of the East Indian Trading company (remember that from your history classes?). All the money that the East Indian company collected came right here.
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| Lots of cheese available for sampling in any store |
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| Of course tulips. $1 per cut flower |
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| The canals are so pretty |
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| You’re more likely being hit by a bike than a car |
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| Is that massive boat going to fit in there? |
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| Yup |
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| Boats can be booked for a ‘harbor cruise’ with full bar |
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| The random flowers are stunning |
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| Completely wild, grew up through cracks in the sidwalk |
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| The Belgium chocolate is to die for here |
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| Where to begin |
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| Nice stroll back to the hotel with my chocolate… |
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| … canal on one side, tree-lined path to the other |
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| The quirky architecture is fun to admire |
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| Oh fine, one treat for dessert |
This country is beautiful. Yes there is legalized prostitution and marijuana sales but it’s also very embracing. Much like your house when you’re not going to have company over – it’s a little dirty, it’s a little odd but because of that you feel comfortable to put your feet up forget the day. I’ve missed it here.
Tomorrow – taking a friends recommendation and visiting a town an hour away. We’ll see if this person is still a friend tomorrow night.