It’s been raining since I arrived. Intermittent and drizzling but still wet. Despite the weather I decided to join the Amsterdammers and ride a bike. Turns out you need to look 5 different ways before crossing an intersection. Bicycles. Mopeds. Cars. Pedestrians. Trams. Buses. They’re all crossing at once. PLUS there are different lights for each vehicle. And sounds to alert everyone.
Less than 5 minutes after renting bike there was a total downpour. The 10 minute ride to breakfast turned into 20 because I pulled over to wait out the rain.
Sat down in Yoghurt Barn in the De Pijp neighborhood. Can’t wait for this trend in the U.S. Choose a size, yogurt base and toppings. I chose a house specialty – Choco Caramba. Dark chocolate chunks, banana, coconut flakes and hazelnuts! So good. Heel goed! Also had some hot tea to warm up from the monsoon outside. 
Took an uber to the Rembrandt House because the rain wouldn’t quit. Like, come on.
Took a Sandeman’s Alternative Amsterdam tour. Learned about about squatters, anarchists and the history of drug use in the city.
I wandered over to Pancake House Upstairs for dinner because I saw it on the Seth Meyers episode The Getaway. I arrived 45 minutes before closing. The hostess had been turning people away but let me in cause I was dining solo. A Maryland couple let me sit at their table. Had the pancake with ham, cheese and tomato. Another trend we need: savory pancakes for dinner.
The Jam 