The Netherlands
This little church in Ilpendam was just too scenic to pass up.  This is from our second day in Europe, when we felt it was necessary to rent stylish Dutch bikes from our hotel and explore the Dutch countryside.  We took off towards Amsterdam Noord, following a canal north, after several km we came across Ilpendam which was having a festival that day.  After a couple of Amstels we were off to Monnickendam.  From there we followed the Noord Zee Dijk back towards Amsterdam.
One of the many canals in Amsterdam.  Amsterdam, like most of the Netherlands is built on swamplands, the city is designed around a series of canals that form a network that links all parts of the city.  This is one of the few that doesn't have a whorehouse on it. The Netherlands has very liberal laws regarding drugs and prostitution. 
Eric in front of the Rijksmuseum.  The building looks really cool, and the art collection is equally impressive.  Just off camera to his left is the Van Gogh museum, which has an impresive collection of Van Gogh's paintings.
Kristen in front of a canal.  The look on her face is her smile changing to a look of concern as Eric is nearly run over by the a crazy bicyclist.  Bicycle is definitely the ideal way to travel in Amsterdam, as they seem to have the right-of-way no matter what the situation.  Sometimes bikes take over the sidewalks and sometimes the street.

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