Amsterdam Summer!

Yes everybody!! We are finally experiencing some nice, prolonged, western European summer-type weather. Tomorrow the high is forecast to reach 77 and Thursday an absolute scorching 81!! I cannot impress upon you enough, especially those in central Florida, how nice it is to finally have this stretch of sun and warmth. Granted, people still ride their bikes with jackets on as the air always possesses a chill to it, but it's nice to break out my shorts and short sleeves! We have been enjoying pleasant weather, on and off, for several months now. Last year, it seemed we went from spring straight to fall. Much less rain and overcast conditions this year than last. And it's still strange to come home from a movie late at night in July and now August, getting chills from the cold night air!
Some local Amsterdam stories that you may find interesting and/or entertaining? I have a few. One involves "Public Enemies", Naan, and mice. We had a nice Saturday out and about in the city, and decided to have dinner at a good Indian restaurant we know. As usual, we couldn't eat it all, and much to the shock and horror of any Dutch diners in the place, we asked for the food we couldn't finish to be packed. We decided to hit a movie before going home, so we got tickets to "Public Enemies" (eh-2 stars out of 5). We get home late, so I put the doggie bag straight into the fridge and we crash. Next day I'm warming up the Indian goodies for lunch and notice 2 small holes on opposite sides of the plastic bag. But I take out everything and start to zap the containers. The naan (bread) was wrapped in tin foil, and I noticed two little holes on both sides of that, too. Just like the plastic bag. Upon further examination I determine without doubt they are chew holes!! You see, several months back I was at the movies with 2 other folks (their identities will be protected here because one acted like a sissy), and we saw a wee little mouse on the floor of the theater. Well, one not-so manly man squeeled like a mouse when he said he felt it on his foot. I couldn't stop laughing. Back to the present. I opened the tin foil, and sure enough there were little mousey-bites on each end of the naan!! I called Radhika over to show her. She said during the movie the bag seemed to move, which was placed on the seat next to her. She even picked it up and folded the top over to seal it better. She said she was a little puzzled when it seemed to move a couple of times on its own, but didn't consider the "Jerry" factor. So...NEVER leave your Indian food unprotected at the De Munt theater in Amsterdam. The mice have discerning palates!
Also, I learned there is a squatters law here in Amsterdam. I believe there are similar laws in the US (anyone recall the movie "Pacific Heights" with Michael Keaton?), and I just don't get it! Here, if your property is unoccupied for 6 months, people have the right to break in and live there. I was told this came about many years ago, a century or more perhaps. The wealthy would buy houses here, but only live in them part of the time. Meanwhile, many had no place to live. So, the government, in its infinite wisdom, allowed "squatting" to occur, and made it next to impossible to legally remove them. Today I'm told it is still quite difficult to remove people who are living on your property, some paying 100 euros per month rent. Some have resorted to hiring "muscle" to physically convince the unwanted tenants that it would be in their best interest health-wise, to move out.
Went out for a 3 hour cruise (no, not on the Minnow) on the canals last night. Man was it great!! The sky clouded up as we pushed off after a day of sun and blue skies! It even sprinkled momentarily a couple times, but overall the conditions were nice enough for an end-of-day float with some snacks, cold beer, cider, wine, and conversation. We went through the red light district, Jordaan, out to the Amstel River, and toured down numerous canals. Many had their boats out, enjoying the summer weather.
We'll be in Barcelona in less than a month for our last, European trip this year. At least the last one of any great length (8 days). Looking forward to that! Have heard nothing but great things about that city. More about that after the trip.