ADVENTURES OF A RETIRED NOMAD: 22 - 5/6 VEGAS THEN 3 WEEKS IN (TEXAS) AMSTERDAM

Our visit to California was short but wonderful. We had only been back a few days. I managed an appointment with my dermatologist, packed some more for Oaxaca and then Jeannie, my neighbor had got us tickets to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens that were showcasing glass sculptures that lit up at night. It was fantastic.

Now we were arranging our plans for our Vegas trip to visit Danny The Travelin Piano Man on Tuesday for dinner and a trip to Valley of Fire the following day with him and his dog Moe. Thursday we were having lunch at Ester's with a good friend Mike Whitesides, former president of the Las Vegas Chef's Association and retired from his Catering business of 30 years?!

We had Happy Hour at Carlsbad Tavern, a Southwestern local restaurant that has been around over 35 years. Last night we drove to the Dubliner, my old Irish Pub hangout of 20 years plus before Oaxaca.

I saw Vinnie there with Bonnie at the bar. The only people I knew. We had a Guinness, some New England Chowda and a Fish and Chips .

We had breakfast at the Farmer's Market this morning and will have dinner at Wok and Roll this evening. I booked us tickets for a Marcia Ball concert at the Musical Instrument Museum when we return from Texas. There was another concert coming up that was interesting so Carol booked that for tomorrow night.

Manaka is a "Hawaiian Slack Key Guitarist" that is said to be the best in the world. He was amazing. I have about 4 CD's of slack key Hawaiian music but am not a big fan.

Tuesday, we drove to Vegas to visit Danny Kean, the Travelin Pianoman. He has been inspiring people to enjoy music by playing for them and encouraging them to sit at his piano and "play". A lot have never done that. Danny enables them to try and exposes children and adults to piano music. We had a nice visit and went out to the Pepper Tree, an iconic Vegas attraction. The food and service was excellent.

The next day we were to drive out to the Valley of Fire and enjoy some nature, but it was HOT and Danny had a tooth impacted that needed attention. We did go out to dinner after his dental visit. Danny wanted to get us up on the truck for some fun first. It was a nice break before going out.

We were going to Ester's Restaurant but while waiting for Danny to show up, we noticed U and Mi Sushi so after browsing the menu, we all went there for a wonderful dinner.

We bid good-bye to Danny until next time and returned to the hotel.

Our last day we crossed over to International House of Pancakes for a great Breakfast. I had contacted my dear friend Micheal Whitesides, an accomplished Chef and owner of his own Catering business for 30 years I think. We were members of the Phoenix Culinary Association back in the late 70's early 80's and then went on to open our own businesses. He retired not to long ago and was spending quiet time with his wife, and family. Carol and I picked him up at his home and we drove to Ester's for lunch. We had a wonderful lunch and visit with Mike. It was really nice to see him again.

The Cirque Du Soleil had a new show called Mad Apple playing at New York, New York and we had tickets. I didn't want to drive at night so we bought Bus tickets and spent an hour riding the bus to arrive just in time for the show. It was not the best one they have done with corny comedians and shtick comedy full of F words and not funny. The acrobatics were amazing. The show let out around 10 pm and we were hungry and were to drive back tomorrow,so just waited forever to get on a standing room only bus back to the STRAT where 4 of the 5 restaurants were already closed by the time we arrived.

Still we had a Pot Roast dinner and Carol had Salmon. We didn't sleep well on a late night dinner but rose to the occasion and drove home. Before leaving I received an email response from Jeannette in Amsterdam after she received my latest post on my Blog. The news was not good. She said she had little time left. I called her daughter to discover she is dying.

We returned from Vegas and I booked a flight to Amsterdam for Monday.

The Arizona Restaurant Association was having restaurant week and I had made reservations for us to go to a new place in Fountain Hills called Cielo . Romie, my grandson, and I had lunch that afternoon. He is so good about keeping in touch and I always enjoy seeing him.

Carol and I had a great dinner that evening and the views were spectacular.

Sunday I packed and changed all our plans to go to Texas. Carol changed her flight time so she could leave with me Monday morning. Jeannie took us to the airport with my flight leaving for Amsterdam and Carols for Lubbock Texas. I had my boarding passes and had one carry on bag so just waited at the gate for 2 hours until boarding. We now can travel around the world without talking to anyone...if you have apps on your cell phone.

TUESDAY MORNING ARRIVING AT SCHIPHOL AIRPORT

NO MORE CUSTOMS OFFICERS...ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

I PRESSED GREEN...IT LIT UP AND THANKED ME

NO TICKETS OR CASH NEEDED...JUST A PLASTIC CARD GETS YOU ON ANY TRAIN, BUS,SUBWAY, TRAM OR TAXI. SHOW THE CARD READING COMPUTER.

My friend Monti in Holland recommended a place to stay but they were full as was all of Amsterdam and rates ran into $1500 a night. I went to the old VVV (Tourist Assist)across from the train station ...now, I AM AMSTERDAM. They were in the process of moving behind the Train Station. I was sent over to the new location but it didn't open until 10 am. I waited to see if they could help. They used to book you into local B and B's or hotels nearby but have changed to only giving you a list of hotels to contact and suggest you use booking.com. I did and had a room in Haarlem almost booked on my phone but it wouldn't complete the booking...then of course it was rented out already.

I needed to get some food in me and was ready to fall asleep standing up. A "healthy place" with pre cooked everything worked.

MY QUICHE

I finally started going door to door at hotels across from the station. Lots of FULL signs up until I found Hotel Jimmy...kind of a flop house for single old men run by some questionable Greeks...but I couldn't stay awake and needed a place to get the Jet lag out of my system. I took a room on the 4th floor. Jimmy helped with the luggage. I slept for a few hours and am now going back to bed for a few more. I will go out for food and drink and head out for Jeannette's apartment tomorrow after calling her daughter. I have a couple days breathing room to scout around for a place to stay for the next 2 weeks before heading back to Scottsdale.

MY 'VAN GOGH' ROOM WITH A VIEW...$100 A NIGHT AND LUCKY

I went to bed for a few hours. Then ventured the neighborhood and ended up walking for miles and hours...then returning with a slice of space cake and a bottle of wine.

TO THE RIGHT IS THE GREETER FOR THE NUMBER ONE COFFEE HOUSE IN AMSTERDAM FOR 7 YEARS NOW. HE GREETS EVERYONE DRESSED UP WITH BOWLER HAT. THEY WON THE BEST CANNABIS IN THE WORLD AWARD. HE IS POPULAR,

MULLIGANS IRISH PUB

LOTS OF INTERESTING PEOPLE IN HOLLAND

ONE OF THE OLDEST ART DECO THEATERS

MY PEEPING CAMERA..SUN COMES OUT...DUTCH DO TOO

NAKED STATUES

HELP ME OUT WITH THIS ONE??

IRISH PUB

1614 BANK CLOSED A WHILE BACK

PARK YOUR BIKE

TWO SIDES TO EVERYTHING

THE BEST FRIES IN HOLLAND

I went back to sleep until the next day and started all over again to look for a place

and made an appointment with Jeannette to visit her around 5.

HOTEL JIMMY'S BREAKFAST

I THINK I AM READING HER BOOK...AMAZING PERSON

ILLEY

A DOLLAR A BITE

NUMBER 41 PLEASE

A NOUGAT FOR YOUR WAIT

Back to sleep until 4...then off on the Tram to Jeannette's neighborhood.

SHE STOPPED AND SMELLED THE FLOWERS!

DAUGHTER/MOTHER

I bought some flowers and discovered from the Florist that the US had another Mass Shooting in a Texas School. We discussed the terrorists in the U.S. The National Rifle Association. I left ashamed to be an American then bought a small bottle of Whiskey to have a drink when I arrived with Jeannette's bouquet at Rooseveltlaan 122.

WINE VINE USED TO COVER THE ENTRANCE

THE ANGEL YOU PASS TO GET TO JEANNETTE'S BEEN THERE 34 YEARS

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY ON THE LEFT

Hello! I am home! I shouted as I came up the stairs where Jeannette in her wheelchair and Peter embraced me with a big welcome. Didn't kiss Jeannette and maintained distance. Told her I would kiss her before I returned to Az..by that time I would feel safer. After standing room only bus in Vegas for an hour and lines in the airport.. Peter has throat cancer I think he said.

Peter wants to clean up my room and have me stay there. It has been my home for 33 years and it's hard to say no. I think I will try for Haarlem tomorrow and let him know next week ...SERVAS contacted me with the Host list for Netherlands...very few in Amsterdam now that it has become a stellar world capitol to match the best.

Jeannette's brother Basel will be here this weekend to visit her. He now contributes to the Moscow Times and has helped dissent journalists escape Russia. Gary Kasparov and he collaborate on news and protests. Your too can help: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/#newsletter

Ron, a mutual friend of Jeannette and me, is coming tomorrow from Groningen. Very special person. I am to meet with Sanna, her daughter soon, maybe next week.

I went out and picked up a to-go order for us at a favorite Italian restaurant of mine. I passed some friends on the way.

I longed to have a brandy and Tiramisu while waiting...then felt guilty.

We had dinner together and it was like old times.

I probably will stay with Peter and Jeannette the last week and will talk to them about my reservations when I see them. I don't know what I could do to help, other than to run errands for them. A nurse comes everyday for one hour in the afternoon. There are 5 that rotate so none get attached. I will visit when I can.

I got my hash pipe back but no hash? No photos taken..this time.

I caught the Tram back but stopped at Mulligan's to see if it was open. An Irish Session was entertaining.

MY FAVORITE BARTENDER...IS'NT HE HANDSOME?

Dan Downing has been there also. I recognized the bartender though his hair was now grey. Saw Miriam, the owner but she didn't notice or ignored me as she was busy. They close on Monday and Tuesday now. I was worried , but they were packed tonight!

I met Max , a late 20's Jewish Scottish Marxist Socialist lad who was born and grew up in Amsterdam in the Jordan section. We had a good talk.

I returned to my neighborhood.

I found a magic truffle place, then I stopped into a Pub...The Flying Dutchman for a glass of wine. They advertise...have a drink and smoke weed. They don't sell it but promote it. They clarify...NO tobacco..ONLY Weed. I had a small leftover Space Cake from last night. Dutch policy is to be discreet but they allow it...makes for a friendly smoking pot place.

I picked up a sandwich at an Istanbul restaurant and the owner explained Halal means no pork or booze.

LAMB AND TASTED GOOD AFTER CLIMBING 5 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS.

He is certified Halal. Very friendly, wonderful people everywhere. It feels so good after superficial Arizona...that's not an ego thing...we do have good friends that are caring and real there that I love. Late night.

I didn't get to bed until 1 am then slept until 11 am...missed breakfast but on the way out of the room to McD's for coffee and sandwich. I noticed I had a bathroom on my floor and it was perfect timing. Afterwards, I decided to just get on the train to Haarlem before it got too late and all the hotels were booked by 5 pm.

I paid to get into the train station only to hear my hearing aide alert me of a needed battery replacement but didn't have any backups on me. I had to return to the hotel and 4 flights up to get a battery. Returned to the train station and was in Haarlem in 10 minutes .

Now it's 12:20 so I got a map and assistance to the location of 4 hotels close to the church. The first I recognized by name was over $220 a night on booking.com. I wanted to visit the rest before having breakfast in hopes of getting a week's stay in Haarlem. Walking the back streets I saw a big HOTELS sign pointing up an alley. I saw an open door like a lobby with food laid out, cookies, pastries, drinks and small sandwiches. Behind the long counter were four reservationists and the name on the door was haarlem-hotel rooms and suites.

The first man told me everything this weekend was booked when I said Saturday check in and next Saturday check out. He just shook his head and said impossible. I thanked him and was leaving when Jolene interrupted us and inquired about my needs. I told her the same and she said "Would a Suite be OK with a kitchen?" I thought ...$200 minimum per day but let her show me the suite of rooms. The photos looked like a penthouse apartment but I waited while she checked the availability then after confirming the days, I asked the price. At first I thought she said $170 Euros..that translated in my mind to $200 dollars a night. I told her my hearing was bad and I didn't hear her...she said $130 Euros. I am paying $75 Euros for a bed , sink , and no heat, right now so I agreed and booked it.

I will check in this Saturday. Jolene then recommended TED's Restaurant just down the street for Breakfast, since it was now 1:30 and I was starved. It was great.

I returned to Hotel Jimmy's and offered to pay for the last day that I added on. The man led me to believe they had a small room that they normally don't even rent but would be pretty sure I could have it and he would let me know. Later they reiterated that it looked possible but never a confirmation. Now Jimmy says NO and sorry but if you check with me tomorrow I may have a cancellation. I needed a YES for Friday night! I called Jolene, she called back in a half hour confirming the people leave on Friday and that it would be ready but not until around 3-4 pm. Yeah!

I bought some hash in Haarlem so I decided to finish my take out sandwich that I also bought at TED's in Haarlem and go to the Flying Dutchman "smoke weed and drink" bar next door for Happy Hour..oops...it's 9 pm.

I MADE IN HOME AND HAD A NICE CONVERSATION WITH RUDY

I got up early enough for Hotel Jimmy's breakfast. Then dropped my bags, checked out and said I would be back at 2 pm to pick up the bags then off for Haarlem! I had another breakfast but both Jimmy's and this one , didn't do the trick. I took the train to Haarlem checked in and was escorted across the bridge, down the quiet street to #28 ...the house I grew up in was #28...hmmm!

I returned to the "check in" place, after a refreshing shower and change of clothes. I was looking for an electronics store to buy a mouse with a USB plug in because I shut off the Bluetooth by mistake and now can't control the computer. Jolene, God bless her , overheard that and handed me a back up , new one that they had. She then directed me to a market where I bought $25 Euros worth of food and returned home.

ORANGE, APP;LE, OR LEMON JUICE.

Hungry and realizing that I had no utensils to eat with, I left for Olliver's Soulkitchen and Bar to sip on a wonderful Spanish Tempranillo Wine while ordering Zeebaars, Sea Bass served with Japanese Bonito Flakes that move around, Wakame, and Samphire. Bonito flakes—the dried, smoked shavings of skip jack tuna—are so light that any amount of steam makes them waver and curl, as if swayed by an ocean current. As a result, the pink flakes move when placed atop hot dishes.

ZEEBAARS (SEA BASS)

GRAND MARNIER FOAM COUPE

MOVING FOOD

I had to find some silverware so I threw some jeans in the washing machine to test it and left to find Jolene. The bridge was out as I was coming around the corner. It is a drawbridge and a sailboat just went through so the bicycles were backed up.

She was there just waiting to answer my questions. Silverware...an under drawer in the top drawer under the stove. A hidden drawer. Of course...and here is a laundry bag if you would like to drop laundry off here we will, for a fee, have it back to you the same day. Just call when you need the maid service or run out of coffee. Have a great day and help yourself to some fresh cherries and chocolate on the way out. Pinch me! On my first day at the apartment, I noticed a bottle of Champagne, but today I noticed it was Grenache Syrah Mourved've. Not bad.

I stopped in Ted's for a Green Smoothie with my Avocado and Smoked Salmon on Sourdough Wholewheat with Hollandaise.

Green Smoothie

I have to try the Organic Ice Cream cone before I leave. The farmers market was in full swing today so I browsed it while taking photos. I returned to the supermarket and picked up some paper towels...2 selections..same size...one Eco one not Eco. Both choices of wine were $5 each.

Museila $1..total came to $17 and I threw the receipt in the bag. The Cashier told me I needed the bar code on the slip to exit the door. She was the same cashier I had yesterday and must have seen me fighting the door to get out yesterday. I put the receipt on the screen and like magic the doors opened for me. One entrance only. I like that.

I returned to the farmer's market to get a fresh Italian Salami and Cheese sandwich for $6 to take home for dinner. Chatted the gentlemen up for a bit then went to the ATM down the street where the cashier recommended. As I came into the square, the BIG farmers market was going on with Chocolates, Wine and little Custard pies from Portugal...Truffles (not magic) Clothes, Jewelry, the usual stuff.