Amsterdam - Updated

We got up and dressed for the day.  Today the sun is shinning and the city is quiet.  Sunday morning is a great time here in Amsterdam.  Not so many crowds yet.

We walked down Damrik Street and found a little cafe for pastry and tea or coffee.  The buildings are decorated for the big event.

The train station is all dressed up for the celebration.  The banners have the WA for the new King's name.

The left tower of the train station shows the wind direction.  For Holland America fans, O stands for east, Z for south, N for north, and W for west.  The names of the four sister ships, Oosterdam etc.

We then decided to  take a walk over to where the river boats were located.  AMA was not in.  There were four Avalon boats tied up.  I guess our boat will arrive either later today or tomorrow.  At least, I hope so as we are to get on then.

On the way back to the hotel we passed the Basilica of St. Nicholas.  There were crowds outside and the bells were ringing away.  It appears they are celebrating a Mass to honor the new King.  Only royal representatives will be attending.  They sold 600 tickets to the mass and it sold out in minutes.  The bells rang for about 15 minutes.  Dutch TV will cover it live.

Most of the canal boats are decorated with orange.  King Willim Alexander is of the House of Orange.  Now I finally understand why the orange shirts on the football team.  There is orange everywhere.  I need to buy an orange scarf to wear on Tuesday.

More banners on buildings.  That is the opera house in the rear of the picture.

Back to the hotel to work on pictures and blog.  We have a tour scheduled for this afternoon.

We got our stuff and headed out.  Walked over to the Western Church and then by Anne Frank House. We were scheduled for a tour this afternoon but the outfit that runs the tours is so disorganized, we cancelled our tour.  Bob had some trouble getting our money back but he finally was successful.
Stopped at the same pizza shop we had dinner in on last time we were here.  I had mushroom soup while Bob had fish soup and then we split a small pizza.  Plus a beer.  Good stuff.

Walked back to the hotel and stopped for some gifts for the kiddos.  Now getting ready for a nap.  We have done a lot of walking on this trip.  My back is still hurting but I am getting by with Advil.  Need to restock soon.

Not sure where we will have dinner tonight.  Might just go back to the pizza shop.  It is a known place. Good food and not too expensive.

In the afternoon, I studied the Trip Advisor site on the internet and found a place for dinner.  It got very good reviews so we decided to try it.  We started with a vodka on the rocks with olives.  Too many places give you a martini that is mostly vermouth.  So we go straight for the vodka.  Bob ordered the escargot and sea bass and I ordered the escargot and rack of lamb.  The escargot was good but not enough garlic.  When our entrees came, Bob got the sea bass and I got a steak.  I told them I ordered the rack of lamb.  Seems someone, our waitress, put in the wrong order.  They were willing to cook me the rack of lamb but by the time it was done, Bob would be finished his meal.  So I ate the steak.  It was just okay.  I really wanted lamb.  We were told they would give us a free dessert but I was done with the place.  Why should I eat something I don't want just to make them feel better about their screw up.

Also, in walking to the restaurant, we got on the wrong rode.  A nice black man saw us looking at the map and took us to the right street.  These streets change names every block or so.  Makes getting there difficult to say the least.  Bob gave the guy 3 euros and he was a happy camper.

Now back at the hotel enjoying a scotch and a Belgium chocolate.  Can't get any better than that.