I am loving Amsterdam! It is the most relaxed, friendly cosmopolitan city I have ever experienced! Everything seems to be on a small scale compared to the States. Small streets, small cars, small homes, intimate, small restaurants. Bicyclists everywhere – all without helmets. It feels leisurely compared to the SF Bay Area.

I have experienced so much in the last two days. I’ll give you a quick rundown. BTW, I haven’t experienced jet lag at all! The techniques I’ve developed worked wonderfully.

I’ve met so many friendly people, all willing to take the time to help me, to talk and laugh with me. This includes the wonderful couple with whom I am staying. Jelmar and Annette are amazing!

Wednesday was a beautiful fall day here with many moments of sun. I walked all the way downtown and back – at least an hour each way plus all my side paths and detours- so I was pretty tired by the end of the day.

My visit to Anne Frank’s house was much more interesting and compelling than I anticipated. Her story was much more profound being here, and I appreciated the questions they raised about the freedom of speech and what should and should not be allowed. They made no judgments – just raised thoughtful questions in a multimedia experience at the end of the visit.

I love all of the canals, many with cute houseboats. There is water everywhere. I also love all the small, intimate ethnic cafes and shops. Delicious bread. I am surrounded with an unlimited choice of ethnic foods and everything I’ve eaten has been nourishing and delicious to my body and my soul.

Today – Thursday – I slept in until 9:15 after a very sound sleep of almost 10 hours. Then went to the Van Gogh Museum, which was a short walk. His art is interesting when seen in chronological order and his story is even more compelling. Very inspiring really, even though it had a tragic ending. He was so courageous to follow his dream to be a painter and to leave a legacy of his painting that expressed real human emotion.

He painted for the last 10 years of his life without any previous painting experience or training. In, fact, he taught himself! As I walked through this museum honoring his work, I was touched that his dreams came true, even though he didn’t live to see it. This museum is one of the most-visited in all of Amsterdam and people from all over the world come here to see his work and relate to this complex man. If you haven’t read a detailed account of his life, I invite you to do so.

Then I ventured downtown via the tram and made my way over to the famous Red Light District. I was definitely out of my element! If you visit Amsterdam, you have to visit the Red Light  District. Even here I felt totally safe and I did see the lovely Old Church, which is the oldest building in Amsterdam. One highlight of the Red Light was a store that sold exclusive condoms. I’ve never seen such creative and funny ones. There was the deep sea diver, the elephant, a skull, Big Ben, plus many more I can’t recall right now. I did take a photo to help me remember.

I had a delicious Thai dinner – it was comfort food for my soul.

Tomorrow I’m taking the train out of town to the North Sea coast and then on my return stopping in the small town of Haarlem for some sightseeing. There has been virtually no rain the last 3 days and tomorrow they are expecting rain most of the day. I’m going anyway. I love Mother Nature in her raw power and I can always opt to get inside whenever I want. Plus I’m borrowing a raincoat since the wind at the sea would probably destroy my umbrella!

I LOVE experiencing other countries! It’s always easier and more wonderful than I imagine when I’m planning my adventure. Everywhere I go I meet interesting people, most of whom are heart-touchingly kind and friendly. Being a global citizen enriches my life in so many ways and makes me a wiser, more understanding person.

Happy trails to you all!