More Amsterdam and Sinterklaas!

We're still in Amsterdam, and having a relaxing time just wandering the pretty streets and not doing a whole lot!

When we visited Amy in the Hague, she told us about 'Sinterklaas,' (from Saint Nicholas) a tale more popular than Santa Claus here in Holland. Sinterklaas comes from Spain, and he arrives in November on a big boat with a horse, and lots of little Ethiopian helpers. He also delivers presents to the children through the chimney, but he does this on December 5.

Jimmy and I found this really quite odd, as it was so similar to the tale of Santa Claus! As December 5 is approaching, Sinterklaas stuff is everywhere! All the kids have their faces painted black (like the helpers), and the shops are mad!

We were on our way to an antique centre yesterday when we approached a marching band in the middle of the street, and behind it was a tow truck carrying Sinterklaas!! He had all his helpers with him, but instead of a horse, he was being towed in a Honda! Even more strange!

We're back in London tomorrow for a few days, and looking forward to the 'warm' 5 degree weather. Anything more than 5 is now warm for us!

Doei!

Meg x

The Hague

Yesterday we took the train to The Hague, an hour south of Amsterdam. My friend Amy lives there, so she picked us up from the train station and showed us around town!

We started off with a yummy lunch, then walked around the pretty city looking at markets and stores. We went to an incredible place called 'Madurodam,' which was a minature world of Holland!!

We also visited the beach, and although it was about 4 degrees, there were still people surfing! She made us try a very Dutch delicacy - raw hering. The head gets chopped off the fish, and you coat it in raw onion and eat it like we did in the picture! Jimmy took one bite and couldn't stand the slimy texture, but I quite enjoyed it!

We finished the day with more food - Dutch Indonesian - and it was delicious!

We had a great day with Amy, and are really enjoying our time in Holland so far!! We're here for another three days, then back to London and then on to the USA! Can't wait!!

Doei!

Meg x

Amsterdam

This morning we took an extremely early and very short flight from Prague to Amsterdam.

We spent the day wandering around town, starting off with pancakes and coffee at a cute cafe on the canal. Mine were the small ones, called 'Little Dutch Pancakes,' and they were drenched in butter and powdered sugar. Thank goodness we walk so much each day!

Amsterdam is lovely - such a pretty city with so many shops, cafes, restaurants, and bicycles!!! It really is true that bikes are everywhere!

Tomorrow we are going to Den Haag (The Hague), another town on the beach in Holland. My friend Amy lives there, and is going to give us the grand tour! Can't wait!

Doei!

Meg x

Prague Castle

Today we took the tram up the hill to Prague Castle - one of the world's largest ancient castles.

What we didn't expect to find there was a toy museum, and in particular, a Barbie exhibition!!

After that we decided to take a walk to a brand new shopping mall that has just opened up - it was HUGE and the food hall was out of this world!

We're leaving for Amsterdam in the morning!

Ahoj!

Meg x

Praha

Today we spent the day exploring beautiful Prague. It was absolutely freezing (temperature in the negatives) but it didn't snow, and we even had some sunshine!

The town is divided into the old and new town, but apparently even the 'new' town was established in the 1300's! All the buildings are just amazing, and the Prague Castle up on the hill looks beautiful. We're going to go visit that tomorrow. An intersting building is the one in the second last picture. It's called 'The Dancing House,' and is a very modern contrast to historic Prague!

Right now we're back at our apartment drinking coffee and eating meringues!

Ahoj!

Meg x