Amsterdam

We arrived in Amsterdam in the afternoon. Our train from Paris took us right into the heart of Amsterdam. From there we hopped a tram to our host's place, the number 2 tram which National Geographic described as a "once in a lifetime experience" as it passes some of Amsterdam's great attractions and you get to see so much of this amazing city. The neighborhood we were staying in was in the city and it was it's own little place with a great variety of shops, bars and restaurants. We could have spent our week in that neighborhood alone.

Our host Patricia lives in an older building in Amsterdam. The buildings are all beautiful and her apartment was perfect, with tall ceilings and windows . To get to her apartment, you climb very steep, narrow, winding stairs. Holy cow! Once you arrive at her apartment, there is another set of stairs to arrive on the main floor. The bedrooms are yet on another floor. My knees were screaming! But a week in this fabulous city was worth it!

We found a great little restaurant in the neighborhood to have dinner that first evening. The next day, we hopped on the number 2 tram for a ride back into the heart of the city.

Amsterdam is known for many things, the canals, bikes, the red light district and coffeeshops (not for drinking coffee. If you aren't sure what I mean, I encourage you to look it up) As curious, informative travelers who want to experience all a city offers, John and I immersed ourselves into the Amsterdam vibe. Hello! Amsterdam rocks!

Each day we ventured out whether it was to the heart of Amsterdam or just within the neighborhood. John could get a good IPA in Amsterdam (beers in Europe are not what we Ashevillians expect beer to be, I think we are spoiled). We found a great little bar that served cheap beer while we people watched. We walked through the red light district during the day, I think it made me more sad for the women than anything else.

The food was great in the city, 2 places in particular. One day we went to an open market with vendors that sold everything from baked goods to Nike's along with a singing Elvis to entertain the shoppers. At the end of the market was a little stand that sold Doner kebabs and wraps. We had one of the best wraps that we have ever eaten - lamb and veggies. I would have taken a photo but we downed it in record time!

Down the street from our apartment, there was a take away Indonesian place. Never having Indonesian food we were curious. There was always a line out the door and we ended up going there twice. We aren't sure exactly what we ate but it was delicious! Oh! And in Amsterdam we discovered Stroop Waffles. Not sure what they are made of, possibly a cookie cracker with a caramel filling but they are to die for. We pack them now in our backpacks and pick them up whenever we see them.

 One day we visited the famous De Pozenboot - the cat boat. This is a boat on a canal that is a refuge for stray and abandoned cats. They have adoptable cats on board but the real stars are the permanent residents who for one reason or another are unadoptable.


Some afternoons I'm not quite sure I remember what we did.

We really enjoyed Amsterdam and all it has to offer. I have to say it is probably the most beautiful city I have seen. It is clean, the buildings are beautiful as are the canals. The people are friendly but man watch our for those bikers, they have the right of way and some are very aggressive! Visit Amsterdam if you ever get the chance, it is amazing!

If you would like to see more photos from our time in Amsterdam, you can just CLICK HERE

Cheers!
Barb