janestarz | Yoshida Meetup: Amsterdam!

Yesterday morning waaaay too early we hopped a train to Amsterdam. I'd looked up several good alternatives, and the first one we intended to take worked out: we had two minutes to buy a ticket and could leisurely stroll upstairs to a train that was packed with Feyenoord supporters. I should go to Amsterdam more often, if that means the Feyenoord boys lose 4 to 0 against Ajax. Whaahahaha *cue manic giggle*

Anyway, I smsed Suus that we were underway towards Leiden, and suggested we'd get out there to wait for them. NoKey and I drank tea and coffee while waiting for them, and Gijs, Suus and Pluis entered just in time to buy some tickets and see the Amsterdam train driving away in front of our noses. Ah well. We arrived in Amsterdam a bit late, and once there we met up with the other Yoshida that were waiting for us: Dennis, Linda, Nick, and Yvonne. We slowly walked to the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal to the Japanese shop and waited for it to open. Then we went onwards to Chinatown (Zeedijk and surroundings) to visit the Temple there, and gawk at the largest toko I've ever seen, who also supplies Asian restaurants with their furniture. The things they sell there are amazing. We picked up a bushel of sesame seeds and some macha, green powder tea that is tradionally used in tea ceremonies.

After that we walked back to the Spui and walked into an alleyway (Taksteeg), where according to Nick was a great sushi restaurant. It was there allright, and it could barely seat all of us, since Malor and his GF had joined us too. We managed and got a menu. So, how to order. Only Nick knew what they served and what it all was. Much farther than nigiri sushi and maki sushi I don't get, and I don't even know the difference. I know sushi is served cold, though, and I was in for a hot meal. While NoKey went for a tempura vegetables, a vegetarian menu with egg, seawead and cucumber nigiri sushi and some miso soup, I chose the gyoza^*), originally a half-fried, half-steamed dumpling, served with sauce. I also picked some pork-schnitzel, and japanese rice. Nick and I shared a beef dish as well.

^*)Ingredients: Pork, spring onions, regular onion, garlic, chinese cabbage, and some sauces and taste-makers as well as a form of pastry.

The dinner was delicious! It was so delicious I had to refrain from ordering more gyoza. And Nick said that though the restaurant made them quite well, they're even better in Japan. Mmmm-mmmmm now I wouldn't mind eating some more of those.

We finished the night with some Ben & Jerries, (Berry n'Ice combined with Berry Berry Extraordinary) and walked back to the station, where we all said goodbye. A rainy, wet, but very yummy and fun day came to a close!