"Amsterdam: Historic and Tolerant" Amsterdam by CoAir13


Amsterdam Travel Guide: 12,430 reviews and 20,145 photos

It's always Spring at the Flower Market!

Amsterdam is the greatest planned city in Northern Europe. In the 17th century, it was the center of world economy and now it is known for it's tolerant character. It offers a distinct cityscape dominated by canal houses with their tall, narrow facades and ornamental gables. Amsterdam consists of about 90 islands cut by it's over 100 kilometers of canals, and linked by about 400 stone bridges.
While there are busses and trams easily transporting people across the city, the best way to get around is by foot or bicycle. Bikes are everywhere, and enjoy their own lane on the roads around the city.

Fun with a fellow VT-er

VincentJJ took the train into Amsterdam to attend the Boom Chicago show with us on Thursday night. After the show (and 3 bottles of Cabernet) we went to the Holland Casino. There, Vince found out that I was bad luck at the Roulette wheel and lost 50 EURO!
He came back into Amsterdam the following day and we went to the Van Gogh Museum and to dinner. He was a WONDERFUL guide and fun to hang out with. I miss you already, Vince!!

My souvenir Cloggys!!

While my travel buddy, Marlene, was at her theatre audition, Vince and I walked through the Leidseplein and up to the Flower Market on Singel. I had mentioned to Vince around the holidays that all I wanted for Christmas was a pair of slippers and pajamas. Since I didn't get the slippers I had asked for, he treated me to this pair of "house clogs" from a souvenir shop! They are shaped like wooden shoes, but very soft and comfortable.......and decorated with the emblem of Amsterdam!! I LOVE them!!!!

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Historical, tolerant, beautiful, and VERY friendly!!
  • Cons:Too many dogs that no one cleans up after!!
  • In a nutshell:Delightful city full of delightful people!!
  • Last visit to Amsterdam: Jan 2004
  • Intro Updated Feb 10, 2005
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  • nora_south_africa's Profile Photo
    nora_south_africa Apr 6, 2008 at 7:44 AM Report Abuse

    flower market looks amazing

  • flyingscot4's Profile Photo
    flyingscot4 Oct 5, 2007 at 8:57 AM Report Abuse

    No question about it; Amsterdam (The Netherlands) is the best place to start a tour of Europe. There is NO language barrier because of English fluency among the population. More important, they WANT to practice their English.

  • globetrott's Profile Photo
    globetrott Mar 15, 2007 at 12:38 PM Report Abuse

    a nice page bringing back great memories. Dog-poo may be found at many cities in Europe unfortunately, but people start to change that (hopefully soon...)

  • Scodd's Profile Photo
    Scodd Mar 12, 2007 at 10:41 AM Report Abuse

    Ride a Bike, it is much easier and faster. But make sure you don't get one from Bike Mac or any of the other palces that rent a bike with a big sign on it. Riding a bike is the absolute best way to see Amsterdam.

  • Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Nemorino Feb 23, 2006 at 3:28 PM Report Abuse

    Fine travelogue about Multatuli, whom I had never heard of either until now. And I had a nice tour of Amsterdam through your tips.

  • johanl's Profile Photo
    johanl Jan 22, 2006 at 7:27 AM Report Abuse

    Great page on Amsterdam(ned) So close to my place me and only visited it twice.

  • Tugboatguy's Profile Photo
    Tugboatguy Nov 3, 2005 at 9:03 PM Report Abuse

    Hi Jen, You took a photograph in the red light district??? NOT!!!!Lucky you didn't lose your camera or worse to the p*mps who are very protective of their girls and turf. Gr8 tips! Doug (^_^)

  • Pawtuxet's Profile Photo
    Pawtuxet Nov 3, 2005 at 4:51 PM Report Abuse

    Crazy us...we found ourselves in the district by mistake. with all three of our kids! The boys loved it. We didn't stay long. :-)

  • keida84's Profile Photo
    keida84 May 21, 2005 at 7:35 AM Report Abuse

    Jen beautiful page. I like the 3 cheek kiss and if someone asked me how much whip cream I wanted I would have said, "the whole can" lol and the Sex museum?!?!?! LOL Kat

  • roamer61's Profile Photo
    roamer61 May 19, 2005 at 8:05 AM Report Abuse

    hi Jen. How are you? I am back (unfortunately) form benelux. Had a fun time.

CoAir13

“People who deny evolution are they scariest of them all!!!”

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