4:15 am, we’re a bit blurry-eyed and the taxi is late. If it looks somewhat bright outside, that’s because it never quite gets dark dark at this time of the year.

By 9a we were in Amsterdam for a happy family reunion.


A day of exploring was ahead.

We were a group of 12. Besides Thais and Lenin’s family, Leah (Lenin’s sister), Jeff and Lauren were there plus Gina (Lenin’s aunt), Hans (whose family is from Amsterdam), and Harper.

On our way to the Van Gogh museum.



Because city taxes were based on the width of the house facing the street, this house is only about 6’ wide.

The fries are a must-try in Amsterdam!

Late afternoon: a tour of the Anne Frank House.


I am tired. I walked 21000+ steps today after getting up at 3a. Time for bed!