Amsterdam

Okay, for one minute try to get the Amsterdam you think you know out of your head - you know, the "oh I know what you did " smile your co-workers give you when you tell them that Amsterdam was part of your itinerary, almost as though someone started running a "What happens in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam" campaign. College kids take note, there is actually something else to do in Amsterdam besides smoke pot.


When I travel I like to picture myself as a local & wonder where I would live, where I would work, who I would hang out with & where. . . In Amsterdam, I would want to live in the Jordaan neighborhood. It's only steps away from a more bustling, more boisterous Amsterdam & just far away enough to be close. Jordaan is mellow & inviting. It's not trying too hard, it's not stressed, it just is - and isn't that what people pilgrimage to Amsterdam for in the first place?


In Amsterdam we strolled into several brown cafes - again, not talking pot. Brown cafes are old pubs whose walls are stained yellow. They may be a dime a dozen in Amsterdam, but I am convinced we found the best one. Hoppe - again, I'm not talking about the "Grasshopper" if that is what you were thinking.



Other highlights were the Dutch Resistance Museum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Vondel Park & prostitutes jamming to "Sexy Back" in an ally no wider than my arms would spread. Also, don't be fooled - Amsterdam isn't a good biking town for a tourist - you just might get killed. It's serious business & should only be contained to those that know what the hell they are doing. Walk. Walk. Walk - and look both ways, all ways, at all time.



We stayed at Hotel Bema in the Museumplein area, which is across the street from the Van Gogh and Riljksmuseum, and about a 10 minute walk to Vondel Park or the trendy Leidseplein. The stairs are steep as heck but that shouldn't scare you away. The lady that works in the lobby is really odd but completely harmless. A note of advice, do not by any means alter your plans to wait for this breakfast they are so concerned about getting to you. It simply isn't worth it. http://www.bemahotel.com/ang.htm
The final night of our trip was in Amsterdam. That night when we were taking our final stroll through the streets it started to sprinkle for the first time in the 10 days we were in Europe. It was beautiful. I think it was our cue to say goodbye.