A boat cruise through the scenic canals in Amsterdam was followed by a scenic hour train ride, literally 1/4 of the country, to Den Haag. Very green in constrast to the golden country side of the mid north or the malley scrub.

After being royally screwed $A50 p.p.p.n for a pair of bunk beds, we caught up for a good night of beers and conversation with Beth's friend Zoe and Willehm. The walk home through a dimly lit city after midnight was conceded to a taxi driver after an hours walk, who promptly drove in a circle before pulling into the hostel.

Euroshock (n) - Realisation that your well planed budget accounts for bugger all in when paying in euros.

Will probably cut our time in Spain by a week to take advantage of the peso.

Culinary speaking, it's remeniscent of spending summers at Oma's. Averaging a croquet per day (below right), hagel for breakfast this morning, and lots of sandwichers. And today the killer, heading to Maastricht, home of the Reijnders (Oma's) clan and a stop at the local markets to sample fresh rollmops and some olle bollen (below left). Then friends and family in Eijsden.

Can't you make an exception, we're only five minutes late?

Just navigated to the Heineken tour.... 5 minutes late.

In awe of the way the Dutch present their history and arts so professionally and proudly after visits to the rijskmuseum, van gough, Amsterdam history, among other. Maybe I should get off the couch at home and see what we have to offer at home?

Not ever being confused for an art conusor, but, it was a privilege viewing the van Gough's, Rembrandt's, and Vermeer's. Although this might sound obvious or corny, the difference between good art and the masterpieces is perfection .

The Gaul of McDonald's making croqett's ?!?!?

Having a couple of extra cold Heineken's down the road (same temp as what you get in Oz) and after ten minutes was having a reasonable conversation in broken Spanish..... That is, until I've managed to offend them talking about cuban cigars?

We've found the Dutch totally uninterested in helping tourists. Although, if I didn't just come from HK, I wouldn't be so shocked. Charging 2 euro's for a map is a bit over the top don't you think? Everything else is double or triple the price than back home.... except for tulips

Lodgings are ok. Aviengo in spuistraat. 18 others in the room, lot's of pretty red lights and cafe's in the neighborhood. Well, I guess that's what you get in Amsterdam for $A35.