ABC "Amsterdam = Bikes + Canals"
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Amsterdam is a whole lot more than bicycles and canals as we love it for both it's cosmopolitan flare and it's rural feel. International travelers invade while local residents pedal their bikes in a purposeful manner over the canal bridges while chatting to fellow cyclists gives you a strong sense of civility one doesn't usually find in large metropolitan centers. The preservation of the old city center provides endless opportunities to observe and partake in the urban beat. Outdoor terraces abound, coffee aromas mixed in with the ever present pungent smell of recreational drugs which is tolerated and embraced.
Walking goes hand in hand with canal cruising. Our two day hop on hop off canal ticket gives us a great overview of the area and how to formulate a plan as to how to spend the next 48 hours. Outdoor squares filled with sculptures start to fill the empty cultural void my soul has been missing and cold Heinekens and Amstel quench my thirst as it is a warm and pleasant day.
Day two was a whirlwind with a morning visit to the fabulous Rijksmuseum and all the fabulous pieces of art by Rembrandt and other great Dutch Masters. We were also entertained on our way into the museum by street musicians playing classical music. See my video.
Canal cruising again proves to be a wonderful way to get around, while at the same time preserving energy for the long day ahead. The afternoon was spent on a guided walk through the old town, strolling the red light district (window shopping only, no purchases) and brief history lessons of how Amsterdam and Holland became a leading world merchant and banking powerhouse. Late lunch by one of the many canals with big beers and great sandwiches are the payoff after our two hour walk about. There is so much to do and discover here but impossible to take it all in in a short time span. That's why one has to come back on a regular basis. A great jumping off spot to any European getaway. Skål!!!
Amsterdam is a whole lot more than bicycles and canals as we love it for both it's cosmopolitan flare and it's rural feel. International travelers invade while local residents pedal their bikes in a purposeful manner over the canal bridges while chatting to fellow cyclists gives you a strong sense of civility one doesn't usually find in large metropolitan centers. The preservation of the old city center provides endless opportunities to observe and partake in the urban beat. Outdoor terraces abound, coffee aromas mixed in with the ever present pungent smell of recreational drugs which is tolerated and embraced.
Walking goes hand in hand with canal cruising. Our two day hop on hop off canal ticket gives us a great overview of the area and how to formulate a plan as to how to spend the next 48 hours. Outdoor squares filled with sculptures start to fill the empty cultural void my soul has been missing and cold Heinekens and Amstel quench my thirst as it is a warm and pleasant day.
Day two was a whirlwind with a morning visit to the fabulous Rijksmuseum and all the fabulous pieces of art by Rembrandt and other great Dutch Masters. We were also entertained on our way into the museum by street musicians playing classical music. See my video.
Canal cruising again proves to be a wonderful way to get around, while at the same time preserving energy for the long day ahead. The afternoon was spent on a guided walk through the old town, strolling the red light district (window shopping only, no purchases) and brief history lessons of how Amsterdam and Holland became a leading world merchant and banking powerhouse. Late lunch by one of the many canals with big beers and great sandwiches are the payoff after our two hour walk about. There is so much to do and discover here but impossible to take it all in in a short time span. That's why one has to come back on a regular basis. A great jumping off spot to any European getaway. Skål!!!
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