Lucky for me, yesterday as I walked down the Kalverstraat I had honor of listening to one of Amsterdam's ever-present organ grinders. In case you're not picking up my sarcasm, I am not a fan of of organ grinders - at least the Amsterdam variety. My annoyance stems from the fact that - other than the horrid music that they play - they shake their small, tin containers full of change in time with the tune, apparently in an effort to encourage passersby to donate.

I maneuvered around the persistent young man and then saw a woman passing in front of him, a scowl on her face and her hands pressed tightly to her ears. I suddenly felt better about my own reaction.