Yellow Bike Tour Company

Cryptic business name....

At first, we were a bit embarrassed to be cycling through the city on bright yellow bikes, wearing bright yellow ponchos...but quickly realised that we could (a) see each other so less chance of losing someone and (b) other cyclists and motorists realised we were idiot tourists and got out of our way.

A brilliant tour. Saw some fantastic obvious sights such as Anne Frank's house and the Rijksmuseum as well as some hidden gems such as a Picasso statue in the middle of a beautiful (huge!) park and some pretty back streets and buildings. Also learned some crazy facts such as 15,000 bikes are pulled out of the canal every year. And just 2 bodies - which is more of a surprise judging by how pissed and stoned everyone is here! 

Found a little cafe for lunch and sat by the water to eat. The sun came out. Perfect.

Then a walk round the city market and the flower market. I bought some wooden tulips and a few bits - aware that we only had hand luggage and so very little room for souvenirs.

The city has a lovely vibe. So chilled and relaxed. I don't know the city particularly well, but never felt on edge or anxious. Drugs are everywhere; sex is everywhere - brothels on random street corners, 'adult' shops, sex museums and a huge red light district.  A lot of stag parties - all British - but we didn't spot any trouble. A very clean place - no dog mess or litter. And so so pretty. 

Tonight we had a Basque meal. Quite an experience. A pretentious waiter who decided to tell us what to order and was then clearly offended when we didn't all take his advice. Delicious food and it gave us all a giggle.

More wine. More cocktails. More laughs. A great bunch of friends in a great city.