PalenQ

You should be more worried IME about central heating in Amsterdam in the dead of summer than AC - one reason so few locals have it.

Challiman

LOL, Pal, I know that can be an issue, too. The first time there was in mid-March, no problem with the temperature in the room. Then we were there in mid-October, and it was so darn hot in our room and if we opened a window there was some sort of carnival happening in Dam Square, our hotel was just off the square, and it was so noisy we couldn't sleep, even with a sleeping pill and ear plugs. Not that close to Dam Square this time, so I'm hoping at least we'll be able to open the windows.
Also, Pal, I'm definitely taking your advice, learned the hard way, about taking too much stuff!

Challiman

This is really a dumb question but I am very confused about something. I went to the Anne Frank House site and bought tickets through etix. I was able to get them on the day I wanted, but after I paid for them and printed the tickets, I got a confirmation email with the following:


Serial # Section Row Seat Price Conv. Fee Date
Performance
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________
1471459003 EUR9.00 EUR0.50 09 June
2014 20:20 09-06-2014 / 20.20
1471459016 EUR9.00 EUR0.50 09 June
2014 20:20 09-06-2014 / 20.20
1471459024 EUR9.00 EUR0.50 09 June
2014 20:20 09-06-2014 / 20.20

I am not sure that will show up here properly, but my question is, is 20.20 the same thing as 20:20? (colon vs. period) I

Challiman

We are half way through our trip and having a great time! There was a mix up with Seth's luggage when he boarded in Denver, but eventually that worked out OK. Barcelona was lovely, lots of walking, Parc Guell, Las Ramblas, an afternoon at the beach, some fantastic paella, then off to Avignon and All around Provence. It was hot and windy, but so beautiful. Tanner got to spend some time with his girlfriend, working at the B&B for 6 weeks this summer.
We took the fast train to Paris yesterday and had a good dinner and I came to my room, put on my pajamas, and off the boys went! They found some live jazz and enjoyed just being out in Paris on their own. I do not need to hover over them, even though I have a little urge to do so at times!
The day awaits, not sure exactly what we will do, but I know it will involve lots of walking for all of us and maybe the bike tour. I am having muscle spasms so will not be joining them.
By the way, it felt wonderful in Paris after the heat of Provence, hope our luck continues!

trvlgirlmq

Wonderful to hear your trip is going well.

Momddtravel2

So glad to hear from you! What a wonderful trip! I so hope I can do that some day with my "littles" Enjoy!

IMDonehere

I have seen the pictures, including one very cute traveler who is clearly not a grandson.

Challiman

A brief update, as we leave tomorrow from Amsterdam and head home.
We have done a lot, seen a lot, have eaten well and often. But, the heat has not been my friend. Barcelona had good weather, but Avignon was HOT and Paris was hot a few days, but Amsterdam has been miserable after about 11 am til at least 7 pm. And this hotel has no A/c, and 73 steps, steep, narrow, and winding, to our room. Just our luck there is a European heat wave!

It has been an adventure. The boys have teased me a lot about wanting to allow extra time at the train stations. They insist that all traffic will just move out of the way and we only need to be there I minute before departure. That may come from the fact that if we miss the train they won't be the ones figuring out or paying extra for a different train. One of the grandsons has a huge amount of luggage with him and cramming it onto trains at the last second is no fun. I hate rushing and much prefer a few extra minutes to frantically running for a plane or train. Age, I suppose.

Off to find a tee shirt for DS, the only thing he wanted for being taking good care of the dogs and house and yard. Then to the Old Church and a stroll through the Red Light District. I've been there at night but want to see the church again.

sparkchaser

Yeah, it's crazy hot. I hate it.

<i>...and a stroll through the Red Light District</i>

You should pay for the boys to have a go. That would be a memory they won't soon forget.

Momddtravel2

wow - so sorry it has been so hot and no AC - yuck!

Fun memories - SO great! Travel safely!

menachem

well, the weather has turned....

Tulips

At least you didn't have the golfball size hailstorm as we did in Antwerp last weekend. There's a lot of damage.

Challiman

Yeah, it rained a lot and cooled down and was very comfortable this afternoon. We did a lot of walking and some crepe eating and went to the Oude Kerk. Soon we will head out for dinner and a few last photo ops.
Tulips, I saw that news about the hail, hate the damage it caused. We have hail, in Indiana fairly often, but not the big hail you got.
Sparkchaser, LOL, I'm not even thinking about paying for such a thing! What they did after they left me at the hotel about midnight several nights, I do not know! I'm sure it would be a vivid memory, but I think it is best for grandmothers to stay out of that whole scene!

menachem

Great Amsterdam worked out for you three.

Tonight is perfect for a stroll through Jordaan.

Challiman

I am finally home! The last night was just about perfect. Lots of canal shots, including a nice moon, and a comfortable walk around the Jordaan. A very nice dinner, not where we planned, but a place we stumbled on.
We were up and out and got to the airport with a little time to spare, no big flight issues, and the boys have connected with their parents. I bet they sleep very late tomorrow. I already miss their quirky ways, even the messiness of scattering their things around. I know in the days to come the memories will make me smile often.

IMDonehere

Glad you had a good time that they will remember forever.