Hamsterdam to Oui Oui Paris

Sorry I didn't post anything over the past few days. I guess my memory wasn't operating with full steam potential. Rosey and I just got in to Paris today from Amsterdam. I'd have to say, the latter was certainly great fun but it didn't have the shock value I had imagined. I had pictured something akin to The Narrows of Gotham City. This was of course silly of me due to the fact that the Dutch are historically renowned for their organization and intelligent engineering. Some houses did look to have that crooked and leaning feel; but they were so well maintained that I wasn't sure if they hadn't been built afresh with the crooked nature included for effect.

The notorious Red Light District did still have some lingering vestiges of its past extravagance. The night scene was lively and well illuminated. Prostitutes take their chairs behind a panel of glass around 7pm. Blacklights and Red Neon (hence the title) provide for a kind of creepy ambiance. This is of course not intimidating for youngsters, adults, or the elderly who come from all over and armed to the teeth with Cannon or Nikon. A bit of very legal substances, some window shopping of sex toys and prostitutes and follow it up with a ride on a ferris wheel in the center of town. Truly a family affair.

And plenty of boats. Many canals dissect the city in an expanding pattern-like ripples-from the city center. One day, we saw this guy. OK. He was dressed in lime green suit pants and button down shirt overlain by a grey cotten vest. He sat in the back of a painted boat the size of a large bathtub with an off-side motor propelling him in lazy circles. One hand was used to play a brass trumpet while the other turned the crank of a player piano mounted in front of him. Not sure if this was how he made a living - throwing coins seemed inappropriate and dangerous. I think applause from a happy audience was his intended satisfaction.

Got in to Paris today. Our hostel is located in the part of town described as "unsafe for women to be alone at night." Rosey and I got a real kick out of that. Haven't seen much of the city since it was about 11:30pm when we arrived, but the metro overpass near the hostel is pretty cool.