Still in Amsterdam

Yes, we are still alive in Amsterdam. One more day to go, and then off to Berlin. We would first like to thank you for the smart comments from some of you. And Jordon, yes we were completely sober on a boat with our new friends. Well, actually we were at the Heineken brewery. But, lets start at the beginning.
This place is unbelievable. The first day we walked around the city for 2 hours trying to find the shuttle that would take us to the beach. It's hard to explain what this place is like, but it's almost like a gigantic shopping mall with winding cobblestone streets and tons of alleys and canals. People get around by walking, riding in a boat on the canals, or by riding their bikes.
Ok, we finally figured out where we were supposed to go. After a 45 minute van ride with a crazy driver, we arrived. The guy that was supposed to check us in was too stoned to even tell us where our room was, as was everyone else in the "joint". So, we went for a walk on the beach and then retired early. The next day we found out that we were supposed to make reservations on the shuttle to get back into the city (another thing stoner boy did not tell us). Well, there were no seats on the shuttle, so much to Chance's dismay, we rode a bus into town for $20 and 1 1/2 hours of our time. Now it's about 2:00 in the afternoon, so we check into our new hotel - MUCH better than the beach hostel.
We went and enjoyed Holland's largest park and ate fresh salmon at one of the local resaurants. Then, off to the red light district. Everything they say about this place is true. There are actually prostitutes in windows soliciting business, and yes people actually use them! And, this is not just a bunch of men walking down the road. There are actually families with children walking around here. Another thing we got to experience is paying to use the "toilet" in public. Even McDonald's has someone in the basement collecting money before you can go.
Yesterday, we did all the touristy things. We decided we would do as the Dutch do, and rent a bike. Now, this is not a normal everyday bike, you see. It is a wicked witch of the west bike with a big basket on the front of it. It was a blast! The funnest thing we've done since we got here. I rode on the back of Chance's bike, and he only knocked me off once (I'm serious). Then, I practically had to drag Chance to Anne Frank's house. It wasn't as moving as we thought it would be, but we're glad we went. Next, back on the bike and off to the Heineken Brewerey (as you've already seen). Then, we went out to another nice dinner and were in bed before 9:00. Guess old fancy chance isn't as young as he thought he was! This morning we are going to do some laundary, do some shopping, then off to Berlin.