It was Valentine's Day yesterday, not that you'd really notice here - none of the hysteria that you see in London. Joe and I went to the Anne Frank Huis in the morning in the vain hope of avoiding the crowds. The annexe that the family hid in has not been changed since the Nazi raid and it really is worth a visit despite the queues. I just about managed to haul Joe up and down the extremely steep steps. Anne's original diary is on display in a glass cabinet so that you can see her handwriting, deeply moving. After that we needed some light hearted relief so headed down to the Bloemenmarkt to see some tulips, via the four canals and saw the sights. Horrible weather though so we, I say we, I mean I was completely soaked by the time we arrived home.
Simon, the old romantic, had arranged for Christophe's to deliver dinner to us in the flat after Joe went to bed - truly delicious! I had pork cheek with a fennel and mint risotto, followed by a lemon and ouefs a la neige dessert. I can't even remember what Simon had but he's just given them their plates back!

Weather was glorious today, clear blue skies and sunglasses needed. We had a stroll around, popped into a fabulous chocolatier to buy a present for Anne Marie who's hopefully been feeding Astro! Amsterdam is certainly not the most child friendly place to visit. Bicycles seem to have priority over even humans so walking along the pavement can be a bit of an obstacle course. Not much baby changing facilities, also everybody smokes here and there are no No Smoking areas anywhere! It will be nice to be able to leave things behind in the flat for our next visit, so our bags should be much lighter on the way back. Very early flight tomorrow morning so hope that taxi arrives on time!

Must also apply for a new passport tomorrow as mine runs out - Simon noticed on the way to the airport on Sunday!