This will be probably more than one part as there is a lot to share.
Early morning run outside the city center through Artzuid, sculptures scattered throughout connected parks. I stopped to snap a few pics of ones I thought were very interesting.
Next on the agenda was food but it was a long walk to Amsterdam Centraal where the mass transit is centered. Behind the station is Pancakes Amsterdam. They have Dutch and American pancakes and they were delicious. In the back of the picture is berry and in the front is a savory smoked salmon.
A quick ferry ride across the section of water between North Amsterdam from the old city is all that separated us from the countryside tour.
Some sights around Amsterdam as we were walking to breakfast:
The royal residence.
Inside the tunnel to get to the back of Amsterdam Centraal.
Next post is the countryside tour.