We are sad as leaving Munich for a couple of reasons it’s a great city and because it means that our group of six becomes four. Charlie is heading for Copenhagen and Kim to Paris. Two trains, Munich to Düsseldorf and then Düsseldorf to Amsterdam and we’ve arrived after about 6 hours travel time. Another reminder how painful it is to have a heavy suitcase..ugh!

In Amsterdam we are staying in a great hotel (although not the Amsterdam Hilton (as referenced in The Ballad of John and Yoko) in an excellent location. Close to restaurants, coffee shops, the metro and museums.

A little bit about this city. Amsterdam was originally called Amstrelredam. The name Amstrelredom dates back to about 1275 and refers to the dam built across the Amstel River to prevent flooding. The city sits 6 feet below sea level and so it’s an engineering marvel that this place stays above water.

Amsterdam has more canals, and beautiful bridges than Venice we are looking forward to doing a canal tomorrow. And it is of course the home of one very famous beer Heineken and red light district.

A walk to a local burger place gives us our first look at this gorgeous city. As we walk through the streets you notice that many of the homes are really narrow and this is because back in the 17th century residents of Amsterdam were taxed on the width of their properties.

We can’t wait to explore tomorrow.