Casey and I haven't been
competitive since the first leg of the scavenger hunt. In fact, in Qatar, we
separated so Casey could do his water sports (meant literally, by the way)
which I'm not into (literally or figuratively). So, on this leg of the trip, we
departed from the itinerary. While the rest of the group have been performing
scavenges in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, in a whirlwind of activity,
we took it easy and came to Amsterdam. Queen's Day was the very day after we
received instructions for the (semi) final leg of the trip. And on this Queen's
Day, the reigning monarch for over 30 years was abdicating the throne. Imagine
the party! We couldn't resist.
I have
never been to Mardi Gras in Sydney so I can't compare Queen's Day to that
event. But I have been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Queen's Day in Amsterdam
makes Mardi Gras in New Orleans look like a toddler's birthday celebration at
Chucky Cheese. This was the outdoor party of our lives. Hundreds of thousands
of people converged on the streets, drinking, dancing, chatting,
cavorting....DJs blasting disco, new wave, techno everywhere. Literally, no
matter what square to which you traveled, there was a party, and a giant party.
Street vendors couldn't keep the beer flowing fast enough. Dancing in the
streets is an understatement. People were doing everything but the nasty in the
streets. And no segregation. There wasn't a straight area, a gay area, an Anglo
area, a....Everyone was together. Straight couples dancing next to gay couples,
Anglos next to Africans, Arabs, Asians, etc. No race separation; no orientation
separation. No differences at all. John Lennon was smiling at us from above.
(And make no mistake: gays aren't a small minority here. In fact, "Queen's
Day" should be renamed "Million Queens' Day.")
I hadn't
been to Amsterdam in 17 years. I loved it then. How could I let so much time
pass before I returned? Well, the hormone therapy litigation explains much of that.
In any event, I will be back...and, maybe, for good. (Casey is already prepared
to move.) The people are so wonderful, laid back, relaxed and friendly. And
every street is like Sixth Street in Austin. Party central. Who could ask for
more?
Well, I
could -- from Rijksmuseum. We went yesterday. Make no mistake: it is one of the
loveliest museums in the world. Amsterdam's contributions to the world of art
are not to be mistaken. But, please! Get over yourself, Rijks! We waited nearly
2 1/2 hours just to get into the museum. Then, we were told that, without
advance purchase, we would wait another hour to get tickets. Fortunately, the
Dutch are the most accommodating people -- even more so than Asians
(sorry--there's my stereotyping again). A lady at the front desk allowed us to
order tickets via smart phone and have them printed at the information desk
when Casey's smart phone wouldn't allow us access -- how is that for customer
service? But the fact that we had to wait over two hours just to get to the
information desk led me to wonder whether Rijksmuseum is run by the same people
who run Disneyland. The fact that you hold key treasures of the world doesn't
mean you should treat people like they're seeking a twirl on Space Mountain.
We're about
to leave this oasis of the planet. Our flight isn't until late tonight. I have
tried to convince Casey that the Amsterdam airport is one of the great wonders
of the world, but he's skeptical. I plan for us to have at least five or six
hours there to play. Next stop: Oslo. Then, we fly to Iceland (I think, only
for a layover), then Toronto. Home by Sunday night. I miss my babies! (that is,
my dogs--Fiyero and Gizmo). This trip has been the event of our lives. And with
that said, we're ready to sleep at home!
Thank you,
so very, very much, Bill and Pamela! You have "blessed" us more than
you will ever know! In all sincerity, you're responsible for changing our
lives.
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