We had a speedy layover through Denmark, the land of the Danish. Of all the things in the airport, this character caught my eye and I felt the need to share. You’re welcome.
Ok, that’s all from Copenhagen so now a whirlwind weekend in Amsterdam!
Since I’ve blogged about this unique city so many times, I’m going to refer those of you who want more details to the past posts. Click on any of the following links to see some of my favorite photos and moments in The Netherlands.
Foot, wheels, trams and boats… lets take a look at Amsterdam!
Eat, drink, dance and feel the love in Amsterdam!
How to get lost with incredible people in Amsterdam!
Now a quick lesson on all of the lovely ladies below. I met Denise and Sofieke in Spain, reunited with Denise in Argentina where we met Ioni then all of us came together in Amsterdam. The other two gorgeous girls are sisters from California that I coached gymnastics to almost 17 years ago! Now, they all meet! Hayden was there too, but it was mainly a girls event (sorry pal).
Our evening started with a group dinner at a local tapas bar.
Check out these little human transporting devices. They were like a one wheeled, non-handled segway. The group would just hop on and zoom off!
Pit stop for some tunes and a bit of laughter, dancing, laughter, talking and then more laughter again.
This angelic woman has been working for years at the coat check section in the upstairs washroom of one of our favorite clubs. I had to remind her who I was the second year, but this time… she made my night. She got a gentleman to translate, “You’ve come back! I remember you, can’t forget that smile”. She even asked where my camera was. Night out in Amsterdam, success!
The following evening out was a new one for me. Never did I think I’d be dressing up for an “American western cowboy party” in a small town in The Netherlands. Here’s a few shots from a surprise birthday party of a 60 year old John Wayne fan! First up, costume! Here’s what I had to work with from my backpack.
The decorations were outstanding. From rifles to bails of hay, cow print baloons and even a wooden stock (the form of punishment in which ones head and hands would be restricted from movement). A live band, a stocked bar and wonderful food made this gathering a memorable one!
I felt like a new kid in school when the entire crowd stood up to partake in a traditional birthday dance.I couldn’t tell you what they were saying or how the dance went, but it was highly entertaining!
Finishing up Amsterdam was a walk to the bus stop with the original three. Here’s a comparison from the first time we met 5 years ago to now. Love you ladies!
Another path crossing is about to happen in the grand country of Germany! Can you tell this is my favorite part of traveling?! I met Carina, Florian and Jenni at Oktoberfest 5 years ago, then traveled to Costa Rica with Carina, introduced Hayden and Florian in Greece and now Emily and Allie get to met all of them! Did I mention that the Dutch from above and the Germans next up also met when there was 4 Germans, 2 Dutch and me? Sweet paths of life, I love it!
How did we get from The Netherlands to Bochum? A train ride that was clearly no fun. 
First thing we do in Germany? Go to a fútbol game of course! Next up… just our small group with 80,000 other fans!
Random bike facts of Amsterdam:
There are over 880,000 bikes in the city but less than 800,000 people and 25,000 of those bikes end up in one of the 165 canals every year!
Her Happy Trails 