There were several reasons for this. Mainly, we were looking for specific air carriers to fly on, and none of them went from the U.S. to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, so we started to look for a relatively cheap, easy, and convenient place to lay over for a bit and then fly out of that country to Tanzania on one of the preferred airlines. In other words, we booked round trip tickets from Denver to Amsterdam, and round trip tickets from Amsterdam to Tanzania.
Amsterdam was perfect because: (1) it's almost the very same time zone as Tanzania (only one hour difference) so stopping there first allowed us to get over jet lag before starting the safari, (2) we were able to book an almost-free hotel room using my Marriott points, and (3) I've never been and have always wanted to go! G went with his family back in college, so I relied on him to show me around.
Book ending the safari with Amsterdam was a great decision. It allowed us to walk a lot and move around. In Tanzania we were passed along from one person to the next and weren't allowed really to go anywhere on our own. I mean, where would we have gone?? And also, there were strict regulations about walking. Predatory animals and all that. So, although we stood in the safari truck most of the day, we really didn't exercise beyond that, so exploring Amsterdam on foot was a nice change.
Also, they speak a lot of English and have tasty food and nothing is too expensive. Compared to the logistical challenges involved with a safari, the Netherlands was a welcome break.
I tried their world-famous pancakes. This one was spinach and feta - consumed within two hours of landing in country. I don't mess around with food. It was spectacular.
G took advantage of their obsession with chips. And mayo.
This was my favorite dessert. It's a pretty firm Belgian waffle that's chilled and dipped in chocolate, then covered with custard and strawberries. It was beyond amazing. Even better than it looks!
Amsterdam has a bit of a reputation as a rowdy and cultured city, but I gotta tell you, coming from Denver, it's no big thang. Weed everywhere? Yawn. The red light district. Please, people. I say this in jest. I'm not sure what it means that none of the city's shenanigans were all that impressive. I'm probably a jaded sinner or something. Or just old.
It was charming, nonetheless, and we really enjoyed it. I'm so glad I got to see such a wonderful European city on the water. It gives Venice a run for its money. :)
More pics to come!
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