Amsterdam - water and lots of bright orange football fans

Amsterdam is sure a friendly place. The people are all very helpful and friendly. And there is water everywhere. Most directions involve how many bridges you go over before you turn. For all the times I have passed through the airport it is about time I got into the City and was what it was all about.
The Netherlands, team color orange, was playing in the EuroCup Football on Friday night - soccer would be the American word. So the whole town was colored orange - including most of the people. The bars and pubs were full and with so many outside spots with every goal the City went into a mutal roar. They won and it was an exciting evening all over the City celebrating their move to the next round.
I also went to a lovely party in a village outside the city on Saturday night. Again, very friendly and gracious people. And 3 tired teenagers who were very lucky to be in the stadium for the big game the night before - but they worked very hard at their waiter duties for the evening. I think it was the hope of the big tip from Mom!

Paris France - one long, long day

We left for the airport at 430 in Vilnius. Stopped in Prague on our way to Paris. Spent the day working in a hotel lobby, met with a customer and then flew on to Amsterdam. A four country day - don't do those very often.
Cool and rainy in Paris - we spent most of the time inside so it didn't matter to us.
Good to be back - been a long, long time.

Vilnius Lithuania - Are you as smart as a 5th grader?

What a wonderful and pleasant surprise. I had to get online and find a map to even have a clue where I was going. It is a city of about 500,000 and it should be the rainy season but we had a wonderful sunny and warm day. Great streets to wander and plenty of places to hang out and enjoy.
We came across a park on our way to dinner and there were a large group of young people swing dancing with a 2008 twist in the park. Still there when we came back - so stopped to enjoy it all for awhile.
There are also bike paths and segways running all around the city - would be a great spot to enjoy a long weekend.

Moscow - part 2 - it was sunny, I just kept wandering

Moscow - all greened up

This next week is a four day weekend. What they do in Russia to compensate for the 2 days off is go to work on the Saturday before. So you have a 6 day week followed by a 3 day week. I am leaving on Tuesday so I just got an extra day.

A cool but sunny Sunday.

Moscow - new apartment, new neighborhood

We changed apartments. The new one is in the same general are as the office - actually closer but in a different direction.

The hot water is provided by the City. Apparently, they turn off the hot water for 3 weeks in each neighborhood throughout the summer months to do repairs, etc. Unfortunately for me the three weeks in our new neighborhood started last week.

Like Minnesota, it feels like a different place once everything begins to bloom and green up. And right now it is still light at 11 and again by 5, if not earlier!