Time flies...

Ummm, where has the last week gone!?! Last weekend we had visitors in town and had an amazing weekend. I had everyone intention to fill you in on our activities by Wednesday, however it is now a week later and I am finally sitting down. Enough excuses already, it's time for the update. Last Thursday, our friends that are living in Abu Dhabi came to visit for a long weekend. We had such a fun a time showing them all the different sorts of things "Dutch people love" and the weather was perfect. Rob, Sandy, and Brad got in on Thursday and since Felipe was still at work I played tour guide to pass the time. Everyone was a little hungry and thirsty for a beer so we walked over to Vondelpark and grabbed a table at 't Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Teahouse). The building kind of looks like a blue flying saucer in the middle of the park. I picked this place as it was the first place Felipe and I visited when we came here about 5 years ago and it's really great cafe in the middle of the park to enjoy the sun and some refreshments. We hung out for awhile until Felipe got off of work and then headed back to the apartment. For dinner that night, I had made reservations at de Struisvogel restaurant (The Ostrich). This restaurant came recommended from one of Rob's friends so we decided to try it out. The food was quite good and the atmosphere was very cozy. I think this cozy little restaurant, and the lamb stew, would be even better on a cold rainy day. After dinner, Sandy and I we pretty exhausted so we headed back to the flat and let the boys have their night out. There was talk of a whiskey bar and casino.

On Friday, we rented a 6 person electric boat and explored the canals. What a treat!! We started on a canal near Zuid Station, crossed the Amstel, and then followed the red signs to the center of the Canal district near Central Station and looped back. I have been wanting to do this since day one in Amsterdam and the experience didn't disappoint. Yes, I was the designated boat driver and it can be a little stressful maneuvering the narrow canals but in the end I only had 1 boat yell profanities at me so I will count the day a success. Since my Dutch is still very dodgy, I could also pretend that he was telling us how lovely he thought our picnic looked in a very stern voice...

You didn't think Felipe would let me drive the boat alone did you? :)

Rob, Sandy, and Brad enjoying the ride.

Saturday was our designated "Dutch tourist" day. We started in the morning by stopping by the ZuiderMRKT (farmer's market) down the street from our house for pastries and coffee. It was busy as usual and everything looked so delicious it was hard to choose just one. Next, we set off for Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is a perfect place to take tourists because it covers windmills, clogs, cheese, and traditional Dutch architecture all in one stop. Despite its tourist appeal, you shouldn't be turned off because it is actually quite well done and a great place to spend the afternoon. 

First stop when entering this little village is a look at the first Albert Heijn grocery store. 

I just love all the vibrant colors of the hydrangea's in bloom right now.

Rob, Sandy, and Brad hanging out at the top of a working windmill. 

 Family photo

Some of the vibrantly painted clogs for sale.

I'm not the only one with growing feet.

Saturday night we were all pretty exhausted after the long bike ride and activity filled weekend so we kept it pretty relaxed and went to one of our favorite, so far, Indian restaurants in the city called Koh I Noor. As we previously experienced, it did not disappoint and was the perfect end to a fun weekend.