Risk it

This weekend has been pretty chill here at Ankerplaats. For the most part, Lee Laurel and I have just been lounging around and playing Risk. That's right, Risk. I had never played Risk before, an d it strikes me as a bit Dungeons and Dragons like, but whatever we had a good time.

Today after our adventures to the Flower Market and whatnot, I went out and did a little souvenir shopping. It was a beautiful day and there were alot of people cruising on their boats through the canals and enjoying the nice weather. This evening Lee and I have been catching up on laundry, while Laurel is out with Aleks. We took a short break to the Thai Company Restaurant for dinner, and to Albert Heijn where I scored the last bunch of bananas. The Albert Heijn tends to get very picked over on the weekends, and it was destiny that the one item I was seeking only had one left.

Right now Spain leads in the Euro Cup with 1 goal. Miranda and Caren return tomorrow from their adventures in Africa, can't wait to hear all about it.

-Liz

While you were sleeping...

Lee, Laurel and I went to the flower market and to get pancakes! This morning we got up early to get flowers for the house, and enjoy a nice breakfast out. Here are some photos for now, expect a more thorough update later today:


I eagerly anticipate what was advertised as the "Best Pancakes in Amsterdam"...



Laurel and Lee enjoying some pancakes. Lee with apple, and Laurel with bacon.




Our haul from the flower market. Dahlias, Bright Eyes, and Lavender. All for only 18 euro! Amazing.

-Liz

Amsterdam continued

Wednesday: I got my long deserved lazy day here in Amsterdam. I was able to sleep in, something I havent really done in months, and just relax. After making the Harple family some mac and cheese, Lee and I went to meet my brother to see the latest Indiana Jones movie. I must say it was not quite what I expected, but I was glad I finally got to see it. It was sort of Indiana Jones meets X-Files more than anything. I just hope that they dont go on to make more sequels with the son of Indiana Jones, that would get kind of sad.

Thursday: Lee and I spent the morning researching cheap Indonesian restaurants, and we met my brother for lunch in the Dam square. The place we picked was not the one with a "grubby oriental decor" but it was alright for 8 euros a person. Typical tourist area fare. Lee and I took the long way walking home and came back to watch Spain v. Russia. Of course, Spain won, totally dominated the Russian advances. Looking forward to the Euro Cup final on Sunday which will be Germany v. Spain. That should be an interesting game. Personally, I am rooting for Spain, Ramos and Torres are just too fun of names to not yell out excitedly during a soccer game.

Friday: We started the day lazily, and then Laurel encouraged Lee and I to go out shopping with her. Lee got to get some Kantjils, the local Indonesian to go spot, where they essentially microwave the food in a box and give it to you. I personally prefer the asian to go places of the wok variety, but Lee prefers Kantjil's peanut sauce. After shopping, Lee, Laurel, Laurel's friend Jess, and I returned to Ankerplaats where we spent the evening.

I am finishing up this post with some photos of the Harple house here, particularly the views out of Katrina's bedroom where Lee and I are staying:

-Liz

Two Weeks in Amsterdam

My computer is finally up and running here in Amsterdam, after realizing I had brought the wrong plug, and was trying to force a UK plug into an EU hole. It will never work. Laurel thankfully got me the necessary conversion tools and I am finally ready to update the world. Here is a summary of the last few days:

Saturday: Lee and I got ourselves together, rather last minute, and left for Amsterdam. Our flight was pretty wonderful, the plane had individual screens with ondemand entertainment. Lee and I spent our time watching "Cars" and playing trivia with other passengers in the plane names Sandy and Aceman. They were both farther back in the plane, it told us their seat locations if we really wanted to, I suppose we could have gone back there and smeared my victory in their faces, but whatever. We arrived safe and sound here in Amsterdam on Sunday morning.

Sunday: We spent a nice lazy Sunday going to the local Albert Heijn with Laurel, and laying around. The grocery store is alot less leisurely than one would expect. Sundays are actually very cutthroat, the bread and milk was almos totally gone by 4pm and the teenage stockboys were frantically trying to get things back on the shelves as fast as they were flying off. Laurel and I do make an excellent cooking team, and we made dinner for everone of pasta, chicken, and my renowned tomato cream sauce, which always comes out better in Amsterdam thanks to their much superior dairy products. We finished the night by watching the Spain v. Italy soccer game. Spain won.

Monday: Lee and I took the journey to Schipol Airport to surprise my brother who was flying in from Tel Aviv. The trip to the airport went well, I got a SIM card for the Netherlands, Lee got some frites, all was well, until we show up at Arrivals 1 and see this massive crowd of olderwomen, children, and a person with special needs hanging around anxiously waiting the arrival of some female fighter. They had a sign saying " Welkom thuis kampion!" and were outfitted with Holland soccer horns, and orange regalia, and dozens bouquets of flowers. Lee and I were hoping my brother would come out before the Kampion, but unfortunately we were front row for the fanfare and loudness that occurred once she came out. Very traumatic indeed. My brother got situated, and I spent the night out with Lee and Laurel.

Tuesday: Today was a great day. I woke up early and went to the Van Gogh Museum and the Reijksmuseum with my brother. Laurel and Lee managed to join us for the Rijksmuseum. The Van Gogh museum was lsightly underimpressive, but the Rijks is always a delight with their mix of militaria and great art. After culture, the three of us headed to the Nine Streets to eat lunch at Goodies, a cafe with great sandwiches. I of course went for goatcheese, walnut paste and apples on large pieces of brown bread. Amazing. After lunch Jos, came back to see the Harples house on the Herengracht, and Lee's father took us out for a cruise on his canal boat, Penikese, which is nothing short of gorgeous. Both Jos and Dan took some good pictures on the boat, hopefully I will get some copies from my brother soon. After the lovely cruise through the canals and along the Amstel, Lee, Jos and I went to eat at Casa di David, a favorite Italian restaurant here. Extremely hopping on a Tuesday night, we had an excellent dinner all around. The real appeal of Casa di David is not just the food, but also the atmosphere which is completely filled with the hectic conversations in Italian occurring between the all male wait staff. It is extremely entertaining on it's own, but the food is truly amazing.

To check out more photos from my trip, uploaded live as they happen, and for pictures of my other summer adventures check out this album: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033985&l=31d6b&id=35302136