Just want to write some notes down for anyone who's thinking of taking a trip to the Netherlands.

• Anne Frank Huis does NOT allow people to take pictures. Adult admission is now 12.50 guilders. In July, the best time to go is around 6:30 or 7pm, as the line will be shorter. Other times of the year, between 5-6pm is good too, according to MBT.

• Mike's Bike Tours -- Definitely worth 42 guilders. André knows his stuff and is a great guide. (I'm not trying to discredit Andrew or "Egg," okay? I hope to go with one of them next time.) If André says that people who don't drink beer can't be at the "cool" table (near the end of the trip), don't take him seriously; enjoy a glass of cold Pepsi or Sprite. Cameras welcome; might want to wear shorts or jeans and bring a small backpack for the cheese and "klompen" (wooden shoe) factory, in case you decide to buy anything. And if you do have André for your guide, remind him to make sure there aren't any birds overhead when you stop in Beatrix Park! LOL.

Basic things I'd like to mention:

1. Take your umbrella everywhere except the bike tour. You never know when it will rain! (Anywhere from 5-15 minutes.)
2. Bathrooms at Centraal Station are at Track #2, easily located by looking for white signs that say "WC" in blue. These cost 75 cents. Also at Track #2 are Burger King, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and a tourist information (VVV) center.
3. If you order a Coke (Coca-Cola), you sometimes get Coke. If they don't have Coca-Cola, they bring you a Pepsi. The glass bottles only contain 2 deciliters, or approximately two-thirds of a soda can.
4. Trying to catch a 14:50 train and it's already 14:55? You might have a chance, because the trains aren't always on schedule. I've noticed that the delayed trains are usually 10 minutes late, give or take 5.
5. A tram pass in A'dam (22 guilders for 3 consecutive days) is not valid on the Canal Bus. Canal Bus is like a water-tram, and a one-day pass is 25 guilders.
6. Canal-Bike has 4 locations for renting/returning paddleboats. These seat up to 4 people and are not very economical. It takes a lot of energy, and the seats aren't exactly comfy. Just thought I'd add this info.
7. Remember, a "coffee shop" and a "cafe" are entirely different. (You'll learn about that stuff near the beginning of the bike tour.)
8. If you want to try authentic Dutch "pannekoeken" (pancakes), Stéph and I recommend The Pancake Bakery, just up the canal from Anne Frank House. Don't order more than one at a time, 'cuz they can fill your tummy very quickly! Topping choices include fruit, meat, cheese, and vegetables; or if you have a sweet tooth there's fresh fruit, strawberry or chocolate sauce, ice cream, whipped cream, and more.

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