So I got in last night. Saturday night in Amsterdam, just after dark, and things were a little nuts. I was very tired from travelling, and a little bit scared for being in a new place and trying to find my hostel in the dark, and there were all these flashing lights and trams and people and bikes and everything.

Then I hid in my hostel, all overwhelmed, and talked to cute boy(s) on the internets.

Next time: Bring extra blanket. Even a small one would help. This hostel sucks for blankets.

Okay, I gotta say: AMSTERDAM IS AWESOME.

But anyway. Back to my day.

I woke up 7ish, like I have been for the past two weeks. When I'd gone to sleep, none of the other beds were full. When I woke up, all but one were full.

I was the first one awake.

I got dressed as quietly as I could, ignored my rumbling stomach, and headed out into the street.

It was a wasteland. After Saturday night, I didn't expect anything less.

I didn't really know where I was, but it didn't matter. I have a pretty good sense of direction, especially after living in Calgary (I ALWAYS know where north is in Calgary). So I started walking.

For those who aren't aware, I am rather nervous being in a country where I don't speak the dominant language.

Fortunately for me, it turns out the dominant language is English.

Who knew.

I found a cafe where EVERYBODY was speaking English, and ordered myself a magnificent breakfast of tomato bagel with goat cheese, walnuts, honey and thyme on.

It was freakin' brilliant. Expensive, but generous and delicious.

Unfortunately, it also meant I was burping up the taste of goat all day.

Mmmmmm. Terrorizing Amsterdam with my goat breath....

Certainly not the worst it's seen.

Anyway. I decided to head towards the Amsterdam History Museum. I saw some swans! :D

One of them kept eyeing me up like it wanted to break my arm, so I didn't get too close.

I like swans. Except when they attack.

I found the museum I was looking for, and dropped a load (!!!) on a Museum Card (45 euros, or there abouts). I hope I will make it worthwhile.

The museum was good. Not as big as I thought it would be, but good nonetheless.

This is also coming from somebody who just did almost all the major museums in Paris.

Walked around some. Found one of those little walled communities that's only for women. It was very peaceful. I wouldn't have minded living there.

Discovered it was barely noon.

Checked my map. Headed over to the Rambrant House.

It was interesting. The house was all set up like he most likely had it. They had a full inventory of the things he had in his house, because he ended up going bankrupt in the end and dying a pauper.

They even had his studio smell like linseed oil, which I thought was a nice touch.

After I left there I would have horrified my mother. I found some picnic lunch, sat by the canal, and read my book. Probably for about an hour.

Then I just walked and looked at things. I bought some earrings. Took precious few photos. Found a shopping street. I think I will go shopping again tomorrow, maybe, but earlier when there are less people.

I like Amsterdam. It's a pretty cool city, even if after dark kinda freaks me out.

See you tomorrow, folks.