Goden Dag,
This is my room, which was my home for the past two weeks. It was small, but comfortable. I have tea making facilities and a small refrigerator. In the lobby I could always find cold water--for which I was very grateful. I arrange my own breakfast but there's a buffet for nineteen euros, I've already mentioned the honesty bar. It seems to work well.
The Dutch have a reputation for cleanliness, which is well deserved, and yet I came across too many instances of ripped trash bags or dumped dumpsters. No one seemed to take responsibility for picking them up.
Fewer people smoke on the streets, for which I am extremely grateful. On the other hand, occasionally I got a whiff of another substance, which was particularly troubling if it came from a bike rider.
The Dutch people with whom I interacted have been courteous. A few have gone out of their way to be helpful and generous--to me an obvious citizen of the United States.
Things are run efficiently and without pretencion. I was surprised to find an underground metro since my last visit, but they must have figured out the water table. For all public transportation you can tap your debit card.
Amsterdam is like most major European capitals--an international city. English is widely spoken, and you can find a lot of different cultures represented from the Netherland's colonial past to modern immigration.
Of course, I'm here for the history and art as I had to explain to the young man at passport control when I entered the country. Despite my poor old eye, it's been a good visit.
I'll describe my trip home tomorrow.
Tot Ziens
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