Amsterdam: A beautiful, bike-riding city

Active residents among Vondelpark in Amsterdam

Waiter offering insights & directions

After checking into our hotel, showering up for a recharge, we took on the city by foot and landed in what I called the "restaurant district." A charming, tight-nit part of town, bustling with locals and tourists alike. Our server at the restaurant we chose was wonderful and gave us, what I felt was "inside scoop" on a recommended must-see-do place we'll take his advice on this Saturday.

Amsterdam is a popular (understatement) bicycle riding city

Amsterdam impresses me. Everywhere you turn there are people riding bicycles. Whether it's a mom with her two kids, a business man or woman in his or her finest suit, or a pizza delivery person, biking is the mode of transportation in these parts. I've seen older folks doing this too, so age isn't a factor either. 

No one wears helmets either, and I haven't seen an accident yet, so what is it about these people that separates us from our helmet-toting riders? I also didn't see one person wearing skin-tight or brightly-colored  bike "garb" showing they're sponsored by some company and whatnot either. Just normal people getting to and from their destinations in a mode of transportation that is efficient, cost effective and really fitting for the city. Bikes were just bikes, too. Not fancy and some real clunkers. A key theme regardless, was that every single one was locked up when parked, which made it apparent to me they must be stolen from time to time. Scooters and motorcycles are also popular.

After crossing one of many bridges, I call this area the "restaurant district"

Another observation. No pan handlers, and no smelling pot! Despite being in a city where marijuana is legalized in public shops, I have to say, I have smelled more pot in Seattle during my walks to my office building than I have in this fine city, here. The people of Amsterdam must be doing something right.

And traffic moves, too. Cars have to share the road with bicyclists, and among this, there isn't congestion like what we see back home. 

A quaint city of canals and beautifully-designed bridges, infused with wonderful charm and character, I have to say so far, I don't just "heart" this place, I "puffy" heart this place!

Residence among Vondelpark

We made it to Amsterdam!

After an oh, so long flight (the longest we've had thus far), we made it to Amsterdam! We are getting settled in our hotel and going to "freshen up" before we conquer the city. They say we shouldn't sleep and we certainly didn't much on the flight despite our attempts.

A shower will recharge us for sure and we'll take in some sights and probably retire for the evening earlier than the locals so we can get to it full charge tomorrow, which will be Friday since we're a day ahead.

Our bus ride was interesting... just reading the street signs and how the roads are constructed is very intriguing. Love the bikes everywhere too! Looking forward to photographing this fine city we're visiting!

Trying to believe

As much as I try to believe, it's still surreal that we're about to embark on this trip we have in store for us. We depart just a short few days from now, so we're making our final preparations.

I am ready to...

• Be adventurous
• Be curious
• Be open-minded
• Be inspired
• Be rejuvenated
• Be awed and...
• Just be!

It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, doing this, and I am grateful for the opportunity. Our last sabbaticals were spent moving in one and sort of hanging out with the other (despite going on a cruise, but let's face it, Alaska isn't much different than Washington).

This time, we're doing things the way we want to, and it couldn't come at a better time!

Here's a brief rundown of our European adventure:

1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2. Bacharach, Germany
3. Rothenburg, Germany
4. Reutte, Austria
5. Venice, Italy
6. Florence, Italy
7. Rome, Italy
8. Cinque Terre, Italy
9. Lauterbrunnen Valley, France
10. Beaune, France
11. Paris, France
12. London, England
13. Ireland — All around

We'll keep connected right here on the blog and share our experiences, insights and highlights along our adventure.

Life-altering experiences...

It has been so long since writing on our blog! Since the last posting made, we've launched a photography business, Jodi Morgan Photography (http://www.jodimorganphotography.com) which has kept us very busy lately.

I recently wrapped up all of my photography business obligations to focus on an amazing adventure with my family.

As I write this post, we are just a couple short weeks away from an amazing trip to Europe for the entire summer! It is finally becoming real, but I still can't believe it's really happening, although our bank account shows all the signs.

Coco, one of our two Cairn Terriers

We'll be taking a European tour, which begins in Amsterdam. We'll work our way through Germany and Austria, head down through Italy and Switzerland and France. Our plan is to remain a couple days with our free time to stay in Paris. From there, we'll stop into London for a few days of more free time and close the trip with a 14-day tour of all of Ireland. We've been studying up and reading and researching strategies for planning and hope what we've learned is going to pay off during the trip.

I am always asked what I want out of this trip. It's a hard question to answer, but I guess my goal is to explore new lands, take in the cultures, try new things (food and people) and reflect. As a photographer, I know I'll be in my glory photographing the places and faces while we're there.

While we're away, I feel incredibly lucky to have Patty & Dave staying at our home to watch our canine kids, Cooper & Coco. Our puppies have been a great source of entertainment and companionship for us and they'll love being with their grandma & grandpa!