July 28 - Gene's Final Word

(Gene) It has been 31 years since I was in Europe. This morning I was surprised at the expanded Anne Frank house exhibition. The museum has taken over at least 3 buildings. There is a new visitors center where you enter and exit, as well as the "main attraction". The use of technology with videos on flat screen monitors definitely has brought this 60 year old venue into the 21st century.

We ended the day and, alas, our 33 day trip in a very local restaurant. It was less than 1\4 block away and wonderful. John and I both have been wanting fondue during our trip and tonight he had it. I had spare ribs. It seems that they have become an Amsterdam specialty. It was a bit slow in the kitchen tonight so I had unlimited ribs. I managed to eat 15 of them. John helped out with 5. I would definitely go back there for another meal if we were in town longer. I give this place a 100% recommendation. It is called Sing Singel Café.

We have eaten many wonderful dinners while vacationing. This was one of my favorites and it was one of our least expensive meals too. When we travel we always go over our food budget.

While it is too early to say what we actaully spent on food, I would estimate that we are over budget. We could have kept more in budget. It's just that we always want to try that special dish or dessert. Actually, speaking of desert, I do not remember any time while traveling that I have partaken of the local desserts on such a regular basis.

John is finishing packing for our return back to Seattle. I told him tonight that while I do miss familiar and comfortable things at home, I could keep on going. I've enjoyed it that much.

In about 24 hours we will be back home. I do miss Amy, our Schnauzer. As I wrote early on, I wondered if I could find a Schnauzer to rent. I must admit that we never once saw a mini Schnauzer. I wish we had.