MrsHobieJoe wrote:Well that is all very well and fine for you Over-the-Ponders to say... but here in the USA we are embarrassedly confused as to whether our dear rosedraws is going to the Netherlands (or is it Nederlands?), Holland or Flanders or Fleming... or is Rhineland, or just the Kingdom? Though of course, never (no more) Dietsland. Or might she be going to Benelux? But, god forbid, let us not make the faux pas of saying she is  going to Friesland!

And while there in Amsterdam will she be visiting the Dutch, or Nederlanders, Hollanders, the Flemish – or is that the Flemings? –  or the Vlaams?

And you wonder why we just say "F*ck it. I'm going to get stoned over there in Europe." Someone responds "Oh, you mean Amsterdam?" So you answer "Yeah, that's the place... over there in Europe."
Rosedraws.. have a good time in Europe while you are in Amsterdam, ok?

Just funnin' yas.

Rose, getting ready for her trip on Sunday:



2 weeks away is a long long time.

I try to do everything so right and remember every little detail.  This method is rather time consuming.

I'm trying to fit into a smaller suitcase than I usually take, so I'll be more nimble in all the places we're going.

My mom is coming here first, so the house has to be reasonably clean.  Leaning heavily on the spouse.

The son needing emergency root canal this week really put my stress level beyond my capacity.

I've been so excited for so long!  I hope I can get caught up a bit so that I can enjoy it again.  

The nice part is that I'm really looking forward to being with mom.  

 rosedraws wrote: 

Lots of fun though.

Just remember that we don't use the homogenous term Europe so much.  Ten days til touch down in Amsterdam.  PS Don't do loads of shopping before you get there- you might want to buy some local stuff.

 rosedraws wrote: 
So exciting!

10 days til touchdown in Europe!!







I have so much to do! 

 jagdriver wrote: 

 rosedraws wrote: 
This looks great! We had a similar setup in Venice (a pensione), but with our own private, second-story patio overlooking the canal that the cruise ships used. There is nothing like skipping the mega-hotel scene and mixing it up with the locals; you come away knowing you've been there instead of it all being some sort of pipe  dream.

I'm expecting you to take photos and post 'em here in real-time, Rose, after getting us all excited and everything. Once you get back home, I encourage you to create one of those "create-it-on-the-Net" hardbound books (e.g., MyPublisher.com) that you'll treasure for the rest of your days.

Regarding photography, I found that only about 1 out of 6 or so are really of interest, so take LOTS. If it's especially interesting (or a keepsake-type), try several at different settings (especially if a passerby is doing the shooting of you and mom). For these, also check them on the spot before letting the picture-taker get away; this helps alleviate the only shot being one with a telephone pole coming out of your head. Have extra memory cards (and charged battery packs!) for your camera, else take the time to burn them to a CD/DVD while there so you have plenty of available space for more photos.

Study up on how to use backlighting with your camera; too many otherwise fabulous shots are ruined by the subject being in the shadows and not knowing how to compensate for this.

For our trip to Northern Italy, I also captured numerous short videos—with sound. I was then able to weave the videos and stills together into a Ken Burns-style DVD that we also treasure (as do others). Once a semi-complex undertaking only a few years ago, it's become much easier to pull this off today using next-to-no-cost software (Adobe be damned).

Only 6 pages in my calendar before I see "Europe" written...  

Guesthouse location in Amsterdam


We'll be in that room on the right, 1st floor, with the frenchdoors and iron railing.
 

 Hairfarmer wrote: 

 Hairfarmer wrote: 
But what fun is that?

 Ebon_Lupus wrote: 
I'll be happy too!

 rosedraws wrote: 

Don't worry. There are plenty of bauched things to do too.

 Ebon_Lupus wrote: 
Ha!  I'm not sure this would be the right time to start. 

 I've been researching hotels, and found some amazing places.  Super Hooray for TripAdvisor.com, which has excellent reviews!

I AM SO EXCITED! 

Smoke a bowl for me.

 rosedraws wrote: 

I don't know why, I just find that very funny! Like my mom saying that or something!

 rosedraws wrote: 
  I guess you'll be keeping her out of the "coffee houses" then, eh?  Well, then again, that's probably the last place you'll find any debauchery.  :puffpuffgive:

Okay.  Houseboats are out.  

Can anyone suggest a good district to look for hotels?  We'd like to be on a pretty canal, close to the center, but not too shop-y or touristy.  And not by the red light district or crazy nightlife.  Mom is a little spooked about the "debauchery" she's fearing we'll come across... 

1976

 rosedraws wrote: 
Yes, but you may need to be flexible with dates if the volcano continues. I wished my flight had been delayed, no such luck. Enjoy your trip!