Amsterdam: Day 1

There wasn't enough time. First experience of many, most likely, but this is the way I wanted to travel. I'm really glad I got to spend nearly six days in Scotland, and I'm definitely going to come back someday, hopefully sooner than later. It was so kind of the Brownlees (Sandy et al) to have shown us around a bit, and pick us up at the airport in Glasgow and drop us off at the airport in Edinburgh. We all are so happy to have met them and spent some time together. It really made Scotland a special experience.

I only had enough time to check out the George Heriots School (which inspired the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in JK's famous novels) and to see the Elephant House, the cafe where she began writing Harry Potter. Looking out the window in the back of the cafe out and up to Edinburgh Castle made me feel like I was in a magical place. The shops and alleyways everywhere reminded me of what Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley might be like if there was ever a way to visit these fictitious places. Perhaps walking the streets of this city is the next best thing.

Our flight to Amsterdam was relatively short (1.5hrs) and the train ride from Schiphol airport into the city proper was a breeze. Better still, our hostel was a five minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. I love it when good planning pays off!

Once we were all checked in and showered up, we went out to explore a bit. Eventually we grabbed a late dinner at a nearby Chinese restaurant (not much else was open by then) and walked along the charming canals for a while after. The city is beautiful during the day, but even more peaceful and lovely after dark, with its twinkling white lights and little boats docked along the canal walls, and the sense that everyone is so relaxed and at ease (either naturally so, or substance enhanced--but the vibe outcome is the same). We finally decided to call it a night, with one last stop at our hostel's bar/lobby to enjoy the remnants of the late night crowd that seemed to be ever present there. New York City may have a rival for the title of the city that never sleeps.