In March 2004 we celebrated my birthday in Amsterdam, the home of the Van Gogh, Coffee houses and famous streets.

My wife and I were probably the only tourists who didn't find the coffee houses or clubs, but what we did find was a family friendly country.  With lots of things to keep us entertained over the long weekend.  There's the Albert Kuyp? Market, probably the biggest street market in Amsterdam where you can buy anything from your daily groceries to leather jackets.  We enjoyed a romantic canal cruise during early evening, and a tour of some of the most famous landmarks, including the Van Gogh Museum.

So if your looking for somewhere different to go this year, try Amsterdam, it's not as seedy as you think (For those with the expensive foreign rolling tobacco in mind, there's plenty to choose from, apparently we we only one street away from those activities and yet we missed them.)

Amsterdam I can't remember much but I'm guessing this is close to where we stayed.	Canals and lots of them Taken from one of the many bridges.	Famous Park But don't ask me what it's called now.
		Famous Painting Inside one of the Art Galleries in Amsterdam
Inside one of the Art Galleries in Amsterdam	Inside one of the Art Galleries in Amsterdam	Even back in the old days, drinking was a common pastime. Inside one of the Art Galleries in Amsterdam
It's Bust! Inside one of the Art Galleries in Amsterdam	Class of 1625 Today it's bad enough getting people to sit still long enough for a group photo, back then they had time on their hands!	We need a rest
Ships and Ships of sizes	Time to upgrade	View from the canal