Pancakes, chainsaw juggling and visiting Anne Frank

Sunday 1st August

We're on the second train of the day, from Hilversum to Osnabruck, crossing into Germany.  The reservation system is all out of order so everyone's just sat anywhere.  There's a fair amount of legroom on these trains - more so than in England!  It's a bit strange thinking that a week ago we were in London and now we're heading to our third destination.  We have a nice view of quaint Netherlands houses at the moment and listening to 'Train' whilst on one was just too cheesy to not do.

Back to yesterday and Anne Frank's house.  It was strange walking around the rooms with pictures of how they used to look, and the moveable bookcase was completely goose-bump making.  Overall it was good and interesting, and a definite must see if you have read Anne's diary. 

Afterwards we walked down the road to the Pancake Bakery, as recommended by Claire.  The pancakes were amazing, huge and with a massive list of fillings.  We both had lemon and sugar, mine with bananas and Claires with ice cream.  Mmmm...we've eaten a LOT of crepes and pancakes so far this trip.
As the weather was still a bit miserable we went back to the hotel to change and drop off what we'd bought, before going to Leidesplein on another tram.

As we got off we immediately saw a man playing an accordian at a bus stop, a busking area, some stalls selling bracelets and paintings, and a DJ behind a mixing desk in H&M.  We then saw a guy throw a bicycle up and catch it on his chin before juggling with a chainsaw, a machete and and an orange.  After wandering around for a relaxing while we headed to Dam Square for the last time to get some food.  We found a shop selling the 'best chips in the Netherlands' so I tried some with mayonaisse - the traditional condiment.  They were yummy, a bit salty for my liking but a decent amount for a couple of euros.  We walked back through the Red Light District and had lots of sleep ready for trains today.

We're nearly into Germany now, crossing the border at Bad Bentheim.  We're staying with Veronika in Oldenburg and I'm so looking forward to seeing her.  I'm expecting Oldenburg to be small and pretty and quiet.  It'll be good to have someone to show us bits and we might get a few cheeky drinks in along the way...

Stride like the rooster!