More on Amsterdam, and Stephen

So, on one of our first nights in Amsterdam we decided to call it an easy night and just dip down to one of the bars closest to us to settle in for the evening. It just so happened to be an "Irish" Pub (the first of several along the way). Generally we took to Irish Pubs because they carried Bushmills, Brooks' favorite whiskey, and we an easy choice. Anyway, we ran into an American Ex-Pat, by the name of Stephen Clark, and while his personality was a bit dull, he was a wealth of information which, little did we know at that time, would shape our entire trip. He introduced us, more firmly, to the idea of Berlin, and convinced us to limit our time in Munich, told us where to go in A'dam and what to see, and warned us of potential tourist mistakes in other places.

Wes initially met Stephen in the smoking room of this particular bar and introduced Brooks and me to him. Natalie, being the only non-smoker in the group, was holding down our position at the bar. (She got very good at this, something I feel is much overlooked in our giving her shit, she looked out for us more than we realized at the time.) Brooks and I soon left Wes to continue the conversation while we returned for fuller beers. At once, around the corner, we made eye contact with Natalie. She was involved in a conversation with a gentleman who seemed delighted with her company. Her glance may have said otherwise, but we decided to let things progress, as long as no harm was done. Shortly thereafter I decided to sit on the stool next to Nat, turning my back to her, facing Brooks, in order to give her the out, if she so chose, but also to listen in. The out wasn't too long in coming. Nearly as soon as Wes rejoined us she took the time to introduce the three of us to Eric, or whatever. We didn't see him long. He made some polite conversation, but, I suppose when faced with the three of us, decided to head elsewhere. Plus he was wasted. No too long after that, we all joined Stephen in the smoking room, had a few more rounds, then went back to the hostel to sleep it off.

The climb up those stairs is soooo hard when even moderately drunk.