Confessions of a Material Girl

Neither G or I have ever been to a Madonna concert. I'm not sure why I have never gone. I've been a huge fan ever since her "Like a Virgin" days and I still own the album in LP version. So, earlier this year we were thrilled to find out she was touring in Europe and we got right on getting tickets. Of course, she was not going to be anywhere near where we are, but we didn't care, we were determined to see her! We originally thought Paris, since it's only a 3 1/2 hour train ride away, but in the end, we found substantially cheaper tickets in Amsterdam, and what better excuse to fly in and spend the weekend in this amazing city?

We had been to Amsterdam together before, and it was really nice to visit together again. We didn't feel the frenzy we did the first time around when we felt we had to see everything in two days. Now we could relax, take things a little slower and see some things we didn't get to before. Too bad the rain was back... but that was all right, it wasn't going to stop us!

We saw some pretty cool stuff like Our Lord in the Attic (Ons' Lieve Heer op Soler), the hidden Catholic Church. It's built in a normal looking townhouse in the middle of the Red Light District back when Catholicism in Amsterdam was illegal (1578-1795). After we headed over to the Heineken brewery tour. Rick Steves claims it's the best brewery tour in Europe. I think it's a close second to Guinness, but fun none the less!

It was Saturday and we tried to do a little shopping, but really didn't find anything. Well, except some swimwear for G that he refused to buy! I've been bugging him to buy a Speedo (hey, we are living in Europe now!!), but he has stood firm and refused to own one. So, when I saw a whole rack of them on sale, I had to check it out. One was black with a sunset on the back and the words DUNE RIDER across them. They were hilarious!! I thought he HAD to have them!!! But sadly, we left without them. Too bad. Next time I see them, I'm getting them! ;) That evening we headed over to the Boom Chicago Theater to catch their "Best of 2006" show. I love that place, and the comedy there is great!

On Sunday we went on a boat tour (mostly to get out of the rain) and checked out the Amsterdam History Museum (again, an indoor activity). Then, it was time to head to the concert! I was so excited, and the performance did not disappoint. It was a bit political, but good political. Themes like peace in the middle east, ending AIDS in Africa and no more war are all things that I'm all for!! She also was asking where everyone was from to point out that there, in the Amsterdam Arena, were people from all over the world, all enjoying the same music. And the music was great! She had a lot of new stuff, but threw in some classics as well. We had such a great time. I hope we will make her next tour too! :)


Cheers from the Heineken brewery


I don't really LOVE this beer, but it makes for a funny picture! :)


G & Amsterdam's canals


Pedaling away in the museum


Finally at the concert!!


The European Confessions Tour -- Madonna sure puts on a great show! :)