Day 48_Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a three hour train ride from Maastricht.  One thing you can't help but notice is the enormous amount of water everywhere.  And the water level is often higher than the road or nearby neighborhoods.  Dikes hold back the flooding, but it is amazing opposite to the Mediterranean which fights the other problem most of the time--lack of water.  Another obvious cultural standout is the number of people who ride bikes in the Netherlands.  They don't have snappy, bright colored ones with banana seats or any other suped-up versions.  Instead, most are black, single speed, that creak when they pass you (like the bike is trying to change gears).  I saw one that had the chain area duct taped to the bike, ghetto-style.  With this large number of bikers, design is responsive.  One of the newest bridges has a bike tire detail so that people can push their bike relatively easily up and down a steep slope.

In Amsterdam, I wanted a hotel near the airport to minimize my short night sleep.  I found one called Yotel Schiphol, which is actually IN the airport.  The size of the room is approximately 10' wide x 7' deep and feels like a boat cabin.  The bed is a bunkbed with a step to climb up; TV imbedded in the wall in case you are in the mood.  The bathroom is one long thin space with a shower, sink and toilet.  The curtain keeps the water from going into your suitcase, approximately 6" away. It is hard to photograph as you simply can't "get back" far enough and still be in the room.   I have to say I had a great night sleep there.  It was quieter than Nice, had softer bedding than Barcelona, and was just funny small.  Truly worth the 60 EUR fee.