Yesterday included:

Haarlem
Tulip fields
Bike rides (30+ km)
Bike crashes (only one)
Thatched roofs
Keukenhof
Silly Dutch kids
Orchids
Barnyard animals
Beer
And Pannenkoeken!

Fun-filled and action-packed.

Happy Queensday everybody!

Day three in Amsterdam already - we've tried to see as much as possible, though as Kevin mentioned earlier, jet-lag can be a downer. Thursday was pretty much a wash, without getting much sleep on our multiple flights over we were American zombies walking aimlessly through the City Centre. Did I mention that when we got off the train it was pouring outside. We're talking EXTREME rain. Luckily it cleared up a bit so we could find a place to stay.

Funny story - after spending the last  6 months doing nothing but research for this trip, I neglected to get a room for the first two nights. But fortunately Amsterdam is very traveler-friendly and we found a open room only a few blocks from Central Station called Hostel Aroza.

Bedtime was around 6PM Amsterdam time, 11AM Minnesota time. We woke up somewhat refreshed the next day, and headed out fairly early to see what Amsterdam had to offer. See pictures below of our adventures so far...

We've since left Hostel Aroza and are now staying at a Bed & Breakfast a little further outside of City Centre. The story of our walk to find the place will have to be for another time. Now, I need eat some fresh creme de fromage, fresh baguette, strawberries and wine. Goedenavond!

Well, with around 12 hours of fairly restful sleep after over 24 without any sleep, we set out on amsterdam today with fresh eyes and open minds. Amsterdam did not disappoint. We must have walked 15 miles so far today. We stumbled upon the I AMSTERDAM sign which is right next to the van Gogh museum. So that's two to check off the list.
No we are in repose back at the Hostel before we catch the local night life tonight. The holiday weekend for "Queensday" has officially begun, so the crazies are already out in force. It should be a fun-filled weekend. Let's hope that I still have a couple Euros left to continue on the trip;)
Red light district here we come!

I went from this ...............................to this with a bit of sleep.        It's the miracle drug!

Here is our very first "caption contest" post. If this is successful, then we will continue it throughout our journeys...

1st Caption:
What is Liz thinking?

Be nice and Enjoy!

Well we made it through half a days travel, and we still haven't killed each other. I find this promising. The aside photos is from last evening after packing up Liz's place. We are officially saying goodbye to St. Paul. Notice how we don't looked photo-shopped at all. Enjoy more embarassing photos of Liz and myself in our Photo gallery.

Right now we are off to Reykjavik then on to Amsterdam. Take care and god speed. Boosh! 

Greetings from the Toronto airport. We're here on a 2 hour long layover, then off to Reykjavik and finally to Amsterdam! We had a lovely 1.5 hour flight with a very handsome flight attendant, followed by a much less pleasant trip through customs. I thought everyone was friendly in Canada...

Believe it or not, this was the best picture I took of Kevin. Looking forward to an entire trip of awkward photographs.

It was difficult for me to imagine packing the necessities for 5
months of travel into something that I’d have to carry on my back while crossing 13 different countries. But after months of planning, multiple trips to REI, and a slightly stressful night of packing, everything is packed up and ready to go. 

For those of you who are wondering, here’s what I’ll be carrying with me across the globe…


Clothes:
3 t-shirts
3 tank tops (one dressy)
1 button up shirt
2 cardigans                          
1 zip up fleece jacket
 
2 pair of pants
2 skirts
1 pair of shorts
1 dress
 
5 pair of socks
5 pair of undies
2 bras
1 undershirt
2 hankies that used to belong to my grandma
1 pair of leggings
1 pair of tights

1 swim suit 
1 scarf
1 hat

1 pair of Chaco sandals
1 pair of Keen hiking shoes
1 pair of flip flops (for icky hostel showers)
1 pair of Merrel lightweight mary janes
 
Gear:
1 Steri-pen water cleansing system
1 Steri-pen water filter
1 Cocoon sleep sheet
1 Cocoon inflatable pillow
2 REI quickdry towels (small and large)
1 rain jacket
1 waterproof pack cover
1 small, lightweight lantern
1 headlamp
1 foldable market bag
1 unlocked world phone
 
Inside Moneybelt:
1 passport
2 credit cards
1 debit card
20 spare visa pictures
1 WWOOF ID card
 
Toiletries:
120 Malarone tablets
Various pain reliever
1 bottle Dr Bronners (used for facewash, bodywash, shampoo)
1 toothbrush
1 small tube of toothpaste
Lots of floss
30 Q-tips
1 razor
1 stick of deoterant
1 bottle of insect repellent
1 tube of SPF 55 sunscreen                          
Handful of wet ones
1 tube of hair goop
 
In my day pack:
1 journal
1 pen
1 book 
1 picture of Cosmo
1 Ipod + charger
1 pair of sunglasses
1 bag of trail mix
5 packs of Emergen-C
1 camera + charger

And that's it! I guess it seems like a lot in list form, and I'm sure it'll seem like a lot when we're lost for hours and I'm carrying it all on my back, but it'll do for now.

Who knew that planning an around the world trip would be just as intense as actually doing it.
One week (almost exactly) before we head off into the wild blue yonder.
Everyone should try to keep in touch, and we will do the same.
I hope eveyone's summers are going to be as epic as ours.
Take care and talk to you later.