I haven't been blogging much this week, because I've been hanging with my brother Alex instead: helping him make the most of his first experience outside of North America. We've been to the Royal Palace, a number of the city's finest museums, and a real Dutch windmill (now converted into a brewery).

We've traveled the region by train, boat, and bicycle. We've gotten caught in a heavy rainstorm together (which is an essential part of the true Amsterdam experience). We've eaten the city's best appeltaart, and hung out with some of the city's best people. All in all, I think it's safe to say that we've given my brother a pretty good time...

But it's not just Alex. I'm always freshly surprised to see how hosting a visitor (particularly someone I love) helps me to remember how much I love the city of Amsterdam, too. It's really great to have an excuse to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life that are constantly around us. It's really great to remember that Amsterdam is awesome.