Birmingham to Amsterdam and Crocodile meat in Utrecht

Rose at 4am again this morning (seems to be something of a habitual time to get up these days) after a less than perfect sleep.

Had a rougly 90 minute drive to Birmingham International Airport (tho not quite sure what is international about it) which seems to cater for mainly local European and internal Uk flights. Had a bit of a rush as I couldn't find a parking space closer than a 20 minute walk from the check in desk and had to be ushered through to the scanners... It was a "take off the shoes day" today - and lo I had 2 odd socks on - put on hastily in the dark. I don't think anyone noticed...

Other than some drunk Brummies sitting behind me (why does the Brummie accent grate on me so much) I had a pleasant flight. Once at Schipol I whizzed the mile or so walk to the baggage claim and my bag came into view just as I reach the carousel. Hooray. Straight through customs to Burger King for some brekky. A Sprite and a Whopper later got my tickets to Amsterdam Centraal and was 10 mins early for my meeting.

Walked with the fella I was meeting from the station to Dam Square and found a hotel with a good Wifi Zone so we could hook up and do some business.

Out of the window lurked the famous Second Life Lions. And I couldn't believe it also the fair that is currently present in Second Life is there. The guys that maintain Amsterdam do a good job of keeping ot authentic.

Following my meeting I headed for my Hotel in Utrecht and worked in my room for a time this afternoon. A tip off from Esther pointed me in the direction of an African Restaurant that sells Ostrich and Crocodile meat... Those of you that know me well (probably everyone reading this) will know I'm never one to not try something new - so this tempted me. I left the hotel and it was just picking to rain, by the time I'd gone a couple of hundred yards it was downright chucking cats and dogs. I walked the rest of the way and was drenched to the skin only to find the place closed on Mondays. (There's always tomorrow).
Downheartened and wet I headed back to the hotel and spotted a Thai restuarant. Being a bit of a fan of spicy food, I thought I'd give this a try. What a find. I love Tom Yam soup - this place had 5 sorts! So I went for the 3* (very hot one) and it melted my mouth. You know that feeling when your lips burn after... yummy. I hope my Turkish Trotts clear by tomorrow...

A brisk walk back in the rain to the hotel and here I am again. Tomorrow I have 2 meetings, one back in Amsterdam in the morning and the other in Hilversum in the afteroon. Lets see what tomorrow brings.