AMSTERDAM 2018 JULY

      The twelve hour trip from Glasgow to Amsterdam via Manchester reached it's climax Monday when I finally arrived at Rooseveltlaan and joined my gracious hosts for a nightcap before retiring to my room.

      Jeannette had a broken arm and recently a broken rib so getting around in a wheelchair was no fun.  Peter helped her with showers, dressing, cooking, etc.  Today she had to descend a steep stairway and then steps down to the sidewalk where Peter took her in their "Handicap" vehicle to the hospital to have her arm cast removed.   The nurse that did the job noted her broken rib and suggested wrapping her chest in bandages to contain it somewhat.  She came home with her arm now free to dress and cook...so happy.

     I spent the day dropping of laundry, dining at Goos, a nice neighborhood restaurant, buying some socks, visiting a Photo gallery exhibit of Japanese photographers, buying some Nespresso coffee for their machine, tipping a few Guinness Pints with friends at Mulligans Irish Pub, and stopping on the way home  to pick up some Hash and Blue Bhudda Leaf at a new Coffeehouse.

   

Jeannette was busy directing Peter to cook our meal.  We had dinner and I retired early...11 pm...still light out.
     Wednesday and I'm leaving to eat. I stuck around the neighborhood, shopped for some yogurt, checked on my laundry and came home.  Sanna, Jeannette's daughter came by to wash her mother's hair and visit.  Peter ordered Burgermiester Burgers for the four of us and we had dinner together.  It was really nice to see Sanna again and hopefully we will have lunch when she gets some time.  I retired after watching Andre Ruis the Dutch conductor performing in near-by Maastrict with his orchestra. It was like watching an updated Lawrence Welk show but much more entertaining.

PETER AND JEANNETTE'S HANDICAP CAR

FRESH ORANGE JUICE EVERYDAY...JUST LIKE MEXICO

     Today I watched the Fourth of July fireworks reruns of Washington D.C. and Disney world in California I think?  Washington was like Shock and Awe and Disney's was 15 minutes of well done presentation of fireworks like a dance.

GOTTA PEE..NO PROBLEM

ART DECO SHILLER BAR

     Decided to visit Oosterpark and spent the day walking around for about 2 hours...eating an Ice Cream Cone and trying to get some exercise.  Mostly I road around on the Tram and enjoyed the city.
       My laundry was ready today...$25 Euro but the coat was $12.50...they do an excellent job and my shirt came back like new.  My cleaner in Phoenix couldn't accomplish that...they out source it.  This place does everything on premise.  Iron shirt and pants...not a press!  I'm so spoiled.  I thought this would be a good time to play poker at the Casino...still a weekday afternoon.  I got some money and showed up to find Monday through Friday, they only play from 8 pm to 3 am.  Saturday and Sunday is when you can play in the afternoon....But that is when the hustlers come.

DAM SQUARE

     It was getting hot and I was dressed for an air-conditioned Casino so returned home to wear my short sleeve shirt for the first time on this trip.  I took the tram to the Central Station and caught the Ferry across the harbour to the I Film Museum and Cine.  I had a wonderful salad there overlooking the harbour.  Central Station was completely remodeled and world class and this exhibition theater, restaurant, and tribute to film was no exception.  The whole area was first class

     I went through the exhibition after then returned across the harbour and took the tram to Rembrantsplein where I stopped at Ye Olde Bell for wine and some cheese before returning home.
    Peter and Jeannette were just getting ready to eat so I am doing this in the living room.   Lets see what tomorrow brings...PS  A young very black girl with braided hair offered me her seat today....as well as a young man that offered to swap seats with me so I could have more room.  I love Amsterdam....reminds me of Oaxaca.

      Saturday and Sunday the Casino has poker at 1:30 pm so I decided I would give it a try.  I had some Herring in the neighborhood where a Street Fair was going on...finished my breakfast with an Argentina Sausage Sandwich before heading out.

OH, AND A FRESH HERRING

        On the way I discovered an "edible cannabis shop" so bought some CBD Jelly Beans and ate 3 on the way.

  When I got off the tram stop there was a Naked Bike Ride through the city...a world day in support of Naturism.

      I arrived at the Casino and decided to use my Passport Card instead of my Passport to see if it worked...it did so I don't need to lug my passport around with the card. I got right on a table and within the first hour I was ahead $300...so why didn't I leave...duh.   Finally it was around 5:30 and I was having Dutch Pancakes with Peter and Jeannette so cashed out with $32 ahead...but I enjoyed my afternoon.

Muslim WITH A CELL PHONE STUCK IN HEAD SCARF

     I also enjoyed our Spinach and Goat Cheese Pancakes with Pine Nuts and Salad. Retired early and awoke early.
     I'm off for another try at the poker table. This was not a good idea.  I did well until
3 nines beat my 3 sixes...then I got careless and a pair of Queens knocked my Jacks off the table so I returned home.

THESE IN THE WALK IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE WHERE THEY USED TO LIVE 

GOTTA PEE...NO PROBLEM

THESE ARE ALL OVER AMSTERDAM

      Today the clouds came and it was grey skies with a little rain but nice and warm. I stopped at My Little Patisserie and brought home some dessert to go with dinner.

HEARD NICE MUSIC

      Tuesday and really chilled down.  Still grey skies but constant drizzle and cold.  Got my sweater on and staying in until the sun come out...I hope.