Day 3

Made sure to set my alarm for this morning because being six hours ahead here is messing with my internal clock. Although, the time I wake up to go to the gym and open the coffee shop is 10 AM here. My kids would sleep later than that if you let them. Anyway woke up to a beautiful sunrise.

I payed for the breakfast option when I checked in and I’m glad I did. What a spread! If I do this right, I won’t have to worry about meals for the rest if the days here in Amsterdam.

I was able to enjoy my breakfast out by the canal.

At least someone is getting their rowing exercise in this morning.

After breakfast I went back up to the room and made sure I had everything I would need for the day at the race track.

Again I cannot say enough about the public transportation here. I walked to the tram, which was right on time. Arrived at the train station and purchased a three day pass for €43 and boarded the train that was waiting for me.

After a thirty minute train ride through some beautiful country, I arrived at the station closest to the track. The track is in Zandvoort which is right by the English Channel Coast. Had a good walk to get to the track. And I was worried about getting in my exercise today. It was a beautiful morning for a walk along the beach.

These would not work along the east coast of America. They would be wiped out with the first hurricane warning let alone actual storm.

After a twenty-five minute walk I finally arrived at the track.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but when I walked up the steps and out into the grandstands, I knew it was going to be a great weekend.

I naturally took a whole lot of pictures. (I won’t waste your time with all of them) I was like a little boy in a candy store. All the names and cars I have been following all these years and to know I would soon be seeing them race in person was overwhelming. Here’s a selfie of me in my seat with the start finish line right behind me.

So the one thing I didn't think about, and my daughter will roll her eyes reading this, is sunblock. Who knew you could get fried by the sun in a county that has rain practically everyday of the year.

Here’s some more pictures of the race event.

The F1 Championship Trophy

The weather was starting and forecasted to get ugly. So since it was only practice I decided to leave a little early and get back to the hotel to change and eat my salad from last night. Don’t tell anyone, but I borrowed my fork from the hotel breakfast and took it up to my room. I'll give it back. Don't judge me.

Had to give these guys the the right away trying to get to the hotel.

So, after changing and enjoying my salad I went to go see the palace in town.

The rain I was trying to avoid at the track caught up to me. So, I took some shelter in a nearby coffee shop.

The best coffee shop in town it says. Well I'll be the judge of this! 😇

I ordered a doppio, which they don’t serve in to-go cups. I admit, I’m biased. If my coffee shop was in their town, I think my doppio would give them a run for their money. Still a good cup of espresso.

I still had some time before my next place to visit. And this brings me to an interesting cultural difference. I first ran into this issue at the race track. With any large event port-a-jons are required to accommodate large crowds. Especially when drinking is involved. Well I found them, but the guys are expected to do their thing in the open. While the women walk by to the regular port-a-jons we all use in the states.

So, after my coffee and while waiting for my time slot for my next place to go. I Googled public restrooms and was directed to this.

Well, when in Rome…

I digress.

One of the things I wanted to make sure I visited while in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. So, if this is something you want to do as well when visiting Amsterdam, be sure to plan ahead. I was fortunate and given the heads up by my travel agent. Tickets for a day are made available on the web site six weeks prior to the day. So, when you plan to be in Amsterdam, mark your things to do on your calendar six weeks prior to purchase the tickets. They are for a certain time and they are strict in following the time on your ticket. You’re not supposed to take pictures inside but I did get a picture of the original house.

It is a very humbling experience. I complain about the small house I live in all the time. This experience has made me very grateful for what God has provided me and my family. Probably one of the best museums I’ve been through based on the lay out and delivery method. They have small audio box’s that you tap in each room that narrates in your language of choice.

When I exited the museum it was night. A beautiful evening for a stroll though the city.

What a day. My Fitbit sent me a notification of most steps ever, 20100 steps. Yes, over twenty thousand steps. No wonder my feet hurt. Time to rest them and the rest of myself.