Where in the world

I have returned from a glorious Valentines weekend with the husband.  All the traveling made for not as much sleep as I was hoping but it was well worth it.  So, where was I this weekend? Here are a few hints.  

We reached our destination at around 5:30 a.m. local time.  We went straight to the airport hotel where Chris took a shower, changed his clothes, and left for a meeting.  Poor him.  I changed my clothes, climbed into the bed, and slept for 5 hours.  Lucky me (although this would later come back to haunt me when I tried to go to sleep that night).  I woke up around noon, got myself cleaned up, checked out of that hotel, and took a taxi to another hotel down in the city (and paid for by the firm so I don't mind saying-- it was NICE).  I love traveling on expense.  After that I had several hours to myself so I grabbed my coat and headed outside to wander some streets that looked like this.

And cross over some lovely canals that looked like this.

And pass the window of a small shop selling men's shoes that looked like this.  You know, in case any of your men are in need of a pair.

This is a very, uh, friendly, city.

And every one here rides bikes.  Old picturesque bikes.  

They ride with friends sitting across the book holder bar over the back wheel, or babies in a small seat in front, or a small seat in back, or both.  Or bikes with little carts on the front to hold piles of stuff, or a dog, or a couple of toddlers, or all three.  It all looked very romantic. And cold. 

On Saturday we visited some art museums, then took in the diamond factory, and finished at the flower market. 

This is just one stall along a street overflowing with similar little shops.  All selling cut flowers, potted plants, dried flowers, and heaps and heaps of loose bulbs in any type you could wish for. Of course, if flowers aren't your thing they also have this.

Like I said, it's a very friendly city.  And if your concerned about packaging they also sell it in cans.

We decided against buying anything.  The exchange rate just kills you.

We finished up the day with more wandering down fascinating streets and a quiet dinner for two.  Thanks for a perfect Valentines, Honey!

It was a memorable trip to be sure.  Unfortunately, after such a whimsical weekend, reality thrust itself back into the spotlight as soon as our plane wheels hit U.S. soil.  But more on that later.  As for now, any guesses on our 2008 Valentines hot spot?!