Amsterdam

Our time in Europe, began with 4 days in Amsterdam, one of my favorite cities in the world! It had been 14 years since I visited and I was looking forward to getting over jet lag while reacquainting myself with this place. Our plane landed at 9 in the morning, after a 10 hour flight, and we were exhausted, but ready to explore. We visited Vondelpark (where there were wild parrots everywhere!), wandered through the canals, and ate a wonderful dinner at Brasserie Van Damn. By 7pm we were in-bed and done for the day.

The next two days were lovely. The weather was beautiful and the area of town we were staying in was less busy and crowded than much of the city. we slowly adjusted to the 9 hour time difference, although are still finding ourselves quite tired by early evening.

Long walks across the city helped us start to prepare our bodies for the Camino, although the flatness of Amsterdam is not quite the training we need. We start from Le Puy on Saturday! Next is Brussels for two nights. I lived in Belgium as an exchange student 25 years ago and always enjoy visiting when I get the chance! It’s a place that shaped so much of who I am today and will always have a little piece of my heart.

And here are a few food and drink photos from our time in Amsterdam. My favorite thing to do just about anywhere in the world, is eat and drink and this city did not disappoint! Honestly some of the best meals we have ever had.