Arrival

It feels like a million years ago, and  yesterday all at the same time.
We arrived on a very sunny, yet chilly early February morning in Amsterdam. It was around -2C which was a big change from the 35C+ heat back in Sydney. It looked so sunny and lovely outside I thought it was a lot warmer than it actually was; and that's when I first learned that sunny days + clear skies = freezing cold weather in winter!
It was a lovely day, and despite our jetlag we were keen to get started.

What I noticed the most was the typical Dutch architecture of narrow houses and decorative gable tops with hooks where pulleys are attached to 'hoist' furniture inside houses.

Gables

Canals and bikes rule this tiny city, and give it a lot of charm.

Houseboats are scattered along canals adding lots of character

Our first night was hectic. We had to buy towels, and linen as the landlord hadn't provided it (or told us to bring it!). After a 20+Hr flight the first thing you want is a hot shower and a clean bead, I can even forego food, but we had to get our jet lagged selves out to the shops and get shopping. Thanks to Hema and other Dutch local shops and since we were staying in the centre, it was easy enough to get things.

However, carrying a duvet, pillows, and bedsheets in narrow streets while dodging  bikes and trying to stay awake was another story! but we made it. Had some food from our favourite falafel place Maoz, and collapsed in bed at around 7pm I think...