Is it safe to cross?

After a relaxing long lie this morning team EuroTrippin headed out for another day of exploration!

The day started with a wet walk across town to the Amsterdam Dungeons to learn of Amsterdam's infamous history of prisoners, torturers and witches.  Amongst this one of our team was found guilty of crimes against fashion. Alex, or Peter from England, was called up upfront of the jury and held accountable for his actions! After being given a few frights and being suitably humiliated we headed for a spot of lunch down one of the many streets that have been wondered over the last two days. Lured in by the promise of €5 pizza we dined with some fishy friends who took a particular liking for Miss Marsh. Feeling fueled up and spirits not damped by the 'Dam downpours the next challenge awaited.

Even in the absence of the cars this wasn't going to halt the teams desire for driving! After some searching it became apparent that we could hire a boat and make our own canal tour! After more walking we arrived at our sturdy vessel in the South side of the city and being given our 30 second brief we were ready and fully qualified to hit the water...apparently. Plodding along at a steady 3  knots and following the suggested route we quickly found ourselves deep within the canals of Amsterdam taking in the views and waving like tourists at tourists.

This mostly peaceful voyage up and down the canals has to be the best way to experience and appreciate Amsterdam. Having both the freedom and time to explore all that the city has to offer.

After successfully navigating the waterways and doing our best to avoid upsetting other boats we're still unsure of the rules of the road, on land nor at sea. Our simple tips to not being knocked down in Amsterdam are as follows:

• Everything has right if way but you, even the placid ducks seem to have a level of authority to dictate your travel direction.

• If you find yourself in a cycle lane you have very little time before hearing the distinctive ping of a cyclists bell and even less time to get out of its way.

• The green flashing man at crossings isn't always a safe bet when crossing a road - cars, trams and those cyclists will still appear from nowhere.

• The 30 second brief we had at the start of our boat rental could have been an hour long but we'd still have no greater insight into the European style of driving.

Tomorrow we head out of Amsterdam to collect the cars and make our 450 mile journey South through Germany into the Black Forest for a spot of camping and outback relaxation where one hopes not to hear that dreaded ping from a cyclists bell.

For now though, it's good night from 'Dam.

- Written by Alex