2nd stop... Bruges then Amsterdam

Streets of Bruges
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Right now Tyler and I are sitting in an internet cafe/ sports bar on a small Greek island called Syros. But, before I let Tyler tell you what brought us here in the next blog, I am going to reach back 3 weeks ago and fill you in on everything we've done up to now...

Inspired by Martin McDonagh's 2008 IN BRUGES, starring Colin Farrel (VERY Strange movie) we traveled by bus from Paris to Bruges (Belgium) where we spent 2 nights. Bruges is nicknamed "the Venice of the North" because of its canals that wrap themselves around the small city. Despite its small size, Bruges attracts thousands of tourists every year Thanks to its well preserved Medieval architecture and charm. We enjoyed everything you should when in Belgium- its Beers, waffles and chocolate!

Bruges
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2 days being all a backpacker can really afford in Bruges, we traveled, again by bus, to Amsterdam where my high school friend Ben lives with his Latvian girlfriend, Liene. They live right in the heart of the city, near the museums and Vondel Park. The first night we were there we accompanied them to a Dutch party. I cant say I thought anything was too different other than we couldn't understand most of what the people there were saying. Luckily, most Dutch people also speak English, so we were happily able to answer everyone's most popular question "who do you want to win the upcoming election?" Hearing this for the millionth time while traveling started to make us squirm because we've learned that it will eventually launch a very lengthy, often heated conversation about their world political views. Don't get me wrong, this is partly while I love traveling is talking about some of these topics, but not at a birthday party!

A sampling of Belgian delights
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Our first full day in Amsterdam we rented bikes and joined in on what every local in Amsterdam does on a daily basis. The parking garage at the train station is 5 stories- not of cars, but of bikes. The most incredible (Green) sight you've ever witnessed! Its a little overwhelming at first to ride right into the thick of it, but I was comforted to find out that if a car hits you, no matter what, its ALWAYS their fault. After a tour around the city, which is also FULL of rings of canals, we went to the fish market, and got all the ingredients to home-make sushi! When Ben asked us if we wanted to have sushi that night, I never imagined he meant that we would make it ourselves! I thought those chefs went through extensive training before cutting up fish and making rolls! It turned out to be SO much fun and just as good as the salmon and tuna rolls you eat out. It felt like we were being passed the torch when Ben insisted we try to roll a few ourselves.

Bruges
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On full stomachs we thought we would make our way down to the Red Light district to see what that was all about. This was actually my second trip to Amsterdam, so I had an idea what it was like, but I think I represent Tyler when I say that it is an unbelievable sight to see half naked women in shop windows trying to entice men to come in. We found out that its about 50 euro for 10 minutes of their time, give or take. Within the last year however, the prostitute industry in Holland is changing due to international pressure and the ongoing debate of whether it is really her choice, or has she been kidnapped and sold into a sex trade. Because of this we did see several windows where women once stood now filled with local art or some other kind of exhibit.

Tyler rolling sushi
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While Ben was hard at work, and Liene was working on her thesis paper, Tyler and I had the days during the week to fill which we did by researching places to go next and exploring the city more and more. We were looking for work opportunities and hoping it would be somewhere with nice weather. In 2 months we had a lot of rain and our light coats were starting to be inadequate for the northern European autumn. After a couple days surfing the internet Tyler came across a work for accommodation opportunity on a Greek Island. This sounded so great! We wanted to go to Greece, it would be warmer and it would get us out of the hostel circuit. The big catch was- our duties involved 20 something dogs and 6 cats. The things you'll do to travel on the cheap! (more about that in the next blog)

Red light district
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With our tickets to Greece booked, Ben and Liene graciously put us up for another couple of nights until we left. With the red light district crossed off the list, we had one other stereotypical tourist experience left... We read about the coffee shop (in holland that means a place where you can buy marijuana- sometimes if you're lucky they also sell coffee) featured in Oceans 12, Dampkring and wanted to go. Supposedly they make the best space cakes, and this wasn't something we were willing to leave to hearsay. When in Rome, right?! They were pretty mild luckily and just felt like I had drunken 2 glasses of wine, relaxed and maybe slightly peckish : )

Dampkring Coffee Shop (as seen in Oceans 12)
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Before I move on from the coffee shops, I have to comment on the drug culture there a little more.... Its fascinating! Its not just teenage kids, or tourists even occupying the seats in these places. We saw what looked like very intellectual people of all ages (a lot of older people) enjoying a joint and conversation. Some were sitting with books or scribbling away in journals. We overheard some dodgy, hitman talk also. So, its a place where a million different types get together and you really cant stereotype potheads in this country and maybe not in any other country either, difference is, its all out in the open. Not sure which I prefer though because I find it odd to see older people smoking weed.

Space cakes
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We also walked past a (hallucinogenic) mushroom store. And although we did look just out of curiosity, that is not something I would ever look twice at, but again, its Incredible how the people in these places thinks 'shrooms are the most normal thing ever, and talk about it all so casually. When the guy behind the counter, who looked like he just got done with his shift at the library, realized we weren't in there to buy anything, he was still friendly and informative and said "you'll know when you're ready". So bizarre, but to them so normal.

Ben and Liene
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I didn't expect this blog to be so long, clearly I've been rambling, so I will wrap up quickly. Thank you Ben and Liene for having us, and showing us a great time in Amsterdam!

And thank you to everyone that read this long and made it to the end! Lots of love to all!! xxxxxxxxx