Because the weather has been wonderful since Saturday, we have been spending lots of time outdoors.  Sunday after church we headed out to Vondelpark for the free music.  As you will see from Ray's pictures the park was packed. We went into the music area and found a seat behind the bleachers where we could still see the stage.  Sat with a few interesting gentlemen (and I use that term quite loosely).  One was from Amsterdam, one from Turkey, another from Iceland and the next from Morocco, and each with a unique personality.  Definitely added to the experience. 

Monday decided to visit some of the small villages close to Amsterdam.  Got an all day ticket for the bus and headed out of Central Station.  First stop was Marken.  Ray took some pics of the wooden shoe place.  People were actually buying these things, and they are not cheap.  From Marken we took the ferry to Volendam, a nice 30 minute ride with a beer and views of many sailing vessels.  Lots of people enjoying the sun and water.
Volendam is...well Long Grove on the water.  Very touristy and crowded.  We had lunch here where Ray had to try the smoked eel.  There is a picture of course.  This village is supposed to still portray itself as it was years ago, with costume.  We didn't get that far down on the harbor, I guess.  When we asked the lady at the local museum, she just replied that a few "old" people still wear the traditional Dutch outfits. 
Found the bus stop to take us to Edam, which was a nice little village.  It was later in the day, so not too many people left.  They have a nice square and canals of course running thru the town. I had to buy cheese in Edam, right?  After tasting some I bought a small round.  Haven't had any yet.  Saving it for this weekend when Jude arrives  as sort of a joke.  See, years ago when we went to the Dutch Antilles I brought back some Edam cheese for him.  I really thought he would like it, cause he is a cheese fan.  Fail!  I guess a Tee shirt would have been more appreciated.

Tuesday we recovered from Monday, but by Wednesday the weather was still grand and off we went.  This time to Haarlem and onward to the ocean.  Took the train this time.  About a 20 minute ride with a few stops.  Another nice square filled with cafes and people enjoying food and drink.  The famous Dutch painter Frans Hals was from Haarlem and we had to visit the museum.  It was deceivingly large and totally filled with Dutch works. 

Decided to take the bus to the ocean.  The drive thru Haarlem was very picturesque.  Lovely old, big homes, lots of greenery, lots of stops.  We were by far the oldest people on the bus.  Everyone else was under 30 and clad in swim wear.  We just followed the crowd.  Bikes and scooters everywhere in the parking lot.  The beach went on forever and loaded with people.  It is a very wide beach, so it really didn't seem crowded at all.  Had lunch at a cafe well above the beach with a great view.  Nothing exotic...smoked salmon on a baguette and tuna salad on a baguette.  Oh yes, and a few beers.
Decided to finish the bus ride down the beach into the village to catch the train back to Amsterdam from Zandervoort.  The train was packed with sunbathers and no air or even any air movement.  Pretty hot.  The older guy across from us unbuttoned his shirt and was showing off his sweaty belly.
So happy to return to Central Station.  Everyone sighed as they alit they from this hot box. Took the tram home.  I couldn't walk another step.    Got home just in time to watch the USA gals beat the French in football.  USA! USA!

July 22-24, Vondelpark Park on a Sunny Day

July 23, 2012 Marken, Volendam & Edam

July 25, 2012 Train to Haarlem