Day three in Amsterdam and with the weather still almost tropical I thought I'd put some shorts on and wander the streets this afternoon with the camera. It's always interesting and sometimes quite entertaining, you certainly have to keep your wits about you to avoid stepping out into oncoming bikes or scooters. There's a thought, the scooters seem to use the bike paths. I was hoping to spot a canal being dredged for some of the 25,000 bike that end up in them a year but nothing apart from pleasure trips and folks having picnics on boats, happily chugging along the myriad of waterways. One other thought struck me, not a single SUP (stand up paddle-board) have I seen in Holland. I'm sure there are many on or near the coast but unless it's forbidden on inland waterways, it'd be a great way to explore the canals. Holland would seem an ideal place for the sport to take off since there is so much water and it's nearly all completely calm, perfect conditions for paddle-boarding.





Satisfied with my daily quota of digital images, it was time to get back to the Grand hotel for departure to the third and final show of the stint. We assembled in the lobby at 4:30.

Fabian, one of the drivers in Bernie's team was unfortunate on the way to the venue in that the R500 he drives got rear-ended in what was quite a violent collision. It happened just up ahead of us in our car with Bernie driving so we pulled over to check everyone was OK. Matt, John and Mike were in the car with Fabian and all were OK apart from the obvious shock of the sudden impact. The Mercedes was shunted forward about ten yards by the driver of the unfortunate Citroen van which as you can see from this image was virtually written off. The R class suffered hardly any visual damage at all but will need a polish to get the scratches out!



With phone numbers and insurance details exchanged, a brief visit from the local constabulary, they all got going again and were at the venue by 5:15. Another brief soundcheck and a spot of dinner, a short nap and we took to the stage once more. Not a classic band performance but nonetheless a great one with one song in particular the stand-out for me. Marbletown. If I was a fan, I thought to myself whilst onstage, It would be worth buying every recorded show for this song alone since it is performed SO differently each night. The 'ears' of the band are truly amazing and this song demonstrates this well. (Sorry you guys and girls in the US, who as yet cannot order the USB's)



Back to the hotel and straight out to the same bar we visited last night only this time Pete, Richard, Paul, his wife Ellen and Tim tagged along. After a few beers we ended up night-capping in Danny';s room as he has a balcony with a sun deck.

Day off tomorrow with tennis on the agenda once again.




pics Henk Pestman
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30th June - Amsterdam - HMH

Get Lucky Tour 2010