Alright, now I am going to try and write a little more about Amsterdam. Firstly, I am staying in the Bulldog Palace. This place is a little seedy and in the heart of the Red Light District, but they have a decent sized DVD selection (first place I've stayed in with movies), and was recommended to me by my Aussie best friend Kate. Yesturday, I went siteseeing (oneword?) and had a nice time. Today, I wanted to take in a Mike's Bike Tour, but they are not running in this season. In the morning, we have had about an hour of nice weather, which quickly turns into overcast. Yesturday evening, I had to walk one block to meet some of my friends from Bruges, and while on the way, I was solicited 3 times, and ask to buy from a street vendor twice, and one guy tried to change money with me on the street. I was in no danger though, because these people were asking me these questions in the middle of a very, very crowded sidewalk. 60 seconds... Amsterdam is a nice place, but it is far from the end all be all that some of its more enthusiastic vistors bestow on it. Give me Switzerland over the Netherlands anyday.

I I have 90 seconds to describe Amsterdam. Everything here is pretty crazy. I have been doing a lot of the site seeing here. Tonight I am going to watch a Chicago Improv show. Boat toar in an hour.

I am, in Bruges, Belgium, and it is Sunday. I am one of about 3 trillion tourists in this city. The city itself is pretty cool, because everything is medieval. Unfortunately, the people in Bruges are not stupid, and therefore are using their status as "Most Visited City in Belgium" to set up tourist shops everywhere. It has a Williamsburg feel to it, because I am not sure if anyone actually lives here. Also, there is a load of "dog dirt" all over the place. The people in Bruges also think that horse drawn tours are the coolest thing since sliced bread, and as a result they are ubiquitous. This may sound like I am venting, which is partly true, but it is more than that. I am beginning to question the value of visiting someplace. As I was walking around today, I thought that travelling is really cool and often lots of fun, but you really cannot begin to understand and appreciate a place unless you stay there for some time. Also, since it is Sunday, everything is closed, and all I wanted to get was some french fries. If you think this is contrary for my previous call for authenticity, then you are wrong. Belgium is famous for their french fries, which they often eat with mussels (thanks Sarah). Everybody, make this week the greatest week ever.

SIDEBAR: If anyone is ever thinking about travelling around the Europe like I am doing, Bauhaus Hostel in Bruges is the (seemingly) coolest hostel I have been to yet. I haven't stayed overnight yet, but if my strong first impression rings true, than I am in for a fun stay.