Happy New Year!  And let me tell you, New Year’s Eve is crazy here.  People go out into the street and light fireworks everywhere, to the point that it could be a little dangerous.  For about 25 minutes (just before midnight until quarter after) the night sky was filled with the flickering multi-colored glow of fireworks.  Our ears were filled with the sounds of church bells ringing, firecrackers exploding, and the whistling and popping of the aerial fireworks. It was quite a celebration!

As cool as the New Year’s celebration was, it did not overshadow our trip to Amsterdam.  Amsterdam is a wonderful place to visit, and it seems to have something for everyone.  It is easy to get around, very kid-friendly, and well suited for tourists.  We did the obligatory canal cruise, as well as visited the floating flower market, some cheese shops, and quickly walked through the red light district.  We also enjoyed walking through the Jordaan area, a revitalized area with nice little shops, restaurants and cafes.  Heather toured the VanGough museum, while Marissa spent some time at the Apple store playing games on the newest iPad.

Of course no trip would be complete without a visit to a microbrewery or two.  We found one called De Prael, that made outstanding Belgian inspired beers, and another called Bier Fabriek that featured marinated chicken roasted over a fire (delicious!).  There was also a brewery set in a windmill, which had great beers.  We met a Dutch couple there that travels to Dusseldorf regularly, to hang in Altstadt and eat pizza.  We really enjoyed talking with them, and they directed us to a restaurant called “Biertuin”, where they had great food and a variety of great beers on tap, including one from the innovative TV show “Brewdogs”.  A few pictures follow, and a video of Marissa at Christmas Market jumping in muddy puddles (Peppa Pig cartoon reference):