Hi Everyone,

Well Amsterdam was a blast.

Arrived into Amsterdam Centraal station which really is the central hub of the city. From there I rented a bicycle to help me get around. Amsterdam has a very distinct combination of smells, it's like fresh baked bread and weed fused together.

This was the first boutique or smaller business hostel that I stayed at thus far - Coco Mama. They did a great job of making me feel welcome and included, met some good people and made some good memories there.

On the way to my hostel, a very friendly Indian man explained to me that I am "truly a lucky man" and that I should prepare myself for I am to have "such a lucky June". He was obviously trying to talk me into parting with a few of my Euros so I thanked him for the heads up about June and went on my way.

I was in Amsterdam for 3 days and it rained pretty solid the whole first day - the rest was great though. Cool... maybe 7-12 degrees in the day... windy.

On my last day I took a bus to Keukenhof the self proclaimed Tulip capital of the world. There is a fancy pants tulip garden place that was about 40 Euros to get in, so instead, I walked around a bit and found some tulip fields to get some more of those spectacular drone shots I am now famous for.

I was supposed to be on the 7:59 train from Amsterdam to Berlin, but the mates that run Coco Mama, and after some hours into the free cheese + wine night they were putting on, decided we should all try to get into "THE MAX" for Techno Tuesday. It was awesome, so awesome I slept through my train ride. I'm now on the 9:59 Train, so not a big deal. Sure glad I purchased this 3 month unlimited Eurail pass - it makes things like this a breeze.

Highlights maybe not fully captured in the video:

• I went to a pancake hut - it was incredible. Served me just one giant pancake that had about a 16 inch diameter. Maybe the best syrup I've ever had

• The bicycle was great on the flats and a lifesaver on the down hills, but with just the one gear, it was nightmarish on even the slightest uphill. I would recommend to anyone thinking they want to rent a bicycle to consider an e-bike.

• News to me that the Red Light District is perhaps the most kid friendly part of town when the sun is up. All the fast food restaurants are there, as well as some playgrounds and other things geared towards families. The moment the sun goes down though is a totally different story. There was a place to pay and watch porn in 5D - when I took a brief look inside it looked like a roller coaster car facing a screen. Strap in!

• The whole place is a duality of constant business and commotion yet everyone is calm and mellow. Very laid back and cool city.

Hope you are all doing well.

Eric

I hope you gals and guys like videos of bicycles, boats, and canals...