I arrived safely in Amsterdam and found my hotel without too much problem. It is right in Leidseplein which is a very popular spot full of bars and everything that goes with that (i.e. the English!). I have the world's smallest hotel room (see photo). Fortunately I don't have to climb too many stairs to get to the room - unfortunately the room is right next to the lobby and so I hear absolutely everything that goes on - and everyone who enters and leaves, so no chance of a lie in as breakfast is also served there...
Went for an early morning walk on Sunday to look at the canals and the Red Light District (as I am naturally too scared to go at night) but they were just hosing every street out, so no window shopping for me!
Saw the tulips in the flower market and the usual line up of quaint shops and churches, canals and clogs.
There is strangely enough a south american influence here with a couple of streets full of south american restaurants. I even managed to have a south american beer here on the first night (Heineken is so passe!).
As I write this I am in Leidseplein Square having a drink with the faint smell of a tobacco I haven't smelt before, drifting across the group of outdoor cafes. Amsterdam is a very strange place...
