December 19, 1999
Amsterdam, Holland

After a late Amsterdam night, we greeted the morning about 11:30 am. Although we had great intentions of seeing Russ and Gina off, early this morning, we failed in our attempt. We really would have liked to wish them bon voyage, but sleep was just too dear, even in the thunder cave that I was in. Our guilt is appeased only by the fact that we will see them soon in the United States. Motivation for coffee and breakfast finally got us up and led us down a new trail, (we turned left instead of right at the exit of the hostel). Small flakes of snow were riding on the cold breezes that chased us down the road. The town was not very alive on this Sunday morning, yet we found a small pub, which gave us a glimmer of hope for food and coffee. We each had cheese and egg sandwiches and two cups of coffee. This provided ample sustenance to get us back to the hostel, where Doug spent the afternoon trying to contact his wife.

Jeff and I hooked up with Nick and Chanda and we headed for the Van Gogh Museum. I located it on a map and decided it was not too far to walk. We left heading for number 3 (site marker) on the map; however, when we arrived at the proper intersection we did not see the museum (we learned that this number 3 marked a bus line and was not a site marker). After a few inquiries we realized we had not gone to the proper number 3. Rushed for time, and tired of walking Jeff, Nick and Chanda took a cab to the museum. Since I felt like walking, I decided to go on my own to the museum. The day became grayer, but it added a nice Christmas ambiance. As I got closer and closer to my desired destination, snow had begun falling harder and faster. I saw people darting about the red and white brick buildings, which looked like candy canes built out of Legos. Finally I was racing to my destination. I bought my museum ticket and was given the best seasons greeting as the warmth inside the building began to melt the snow from my outer shell and warm my face.

The museum was beautiful. Van Gogh's use of color, contrasts and brush strokes, are just a few things that set his work apart from many other artists. I would have liked to spend more time at this museum, or perhaps just return another time, as my weariness affected my focus and appreciation for these great works. We managed to spend a few hours here and as a result I received a nice introduction to Van Gogh?s work. We had gotten a late start and our plans to meet Doug sent Jeff and I scampering from the museum. Nick, at this time, had worked a cold into a fever so was sent home in the arms of the trip nurse/ his wife Chanda.

Jeff and I tried to find our way downtown, and to the place where we were to meet Doug, however we became confused and disoriented with the layout of the city. For the last two days we had walked the streets of Amsterdam, but because of our new angle of approach we had lost our sense of direction. Jeff said one way I said the other, so ultimately we compromised by walking in a circle and getting nowhere. Eventually we violated the male code of ethics by asking for directions and eventually stumbled upon the bar where we to meet. I must say we were a bit worried because we were about an hour late. We hoped that Doug would be there, but at the same time we didn't want to pay his bar tab.

We had decided in Germany that we would enforce promptness with a new rule. This rule would be, if we picked a time and a place to meet and people were late, the last one to get there would have to pick up everyone's bar tab. Once the meeting time had been passed, anyone waiting could go to the nearest bar and order drinks. They could drink until the last person, or people showed up with the cumulative bill being charged to the latecomers, they would have to also drive. Fortunately, Doug did not call us on this rule, but perhaps I will make it up to him when I visit him in Spokane.

Anyway, the evening carried on uneventfully, as we had a few more drinks, a stroll, some dinner, and some coffee. We had an early morning the following day so we made it a point to turn in at a decent time. We are all eager to get home. We are tired and at this point biding our time for the vehicles to cross the Atlantic. Amsterdam is very beautiful. I would love to come back, but at this point I need a rest. This is Todd signing off.