When planning this trip, we asked around for information from other travelers to find out what to see and do in Amsterdam.  One of the responses we got included, "I can tell you that the best part of Amsterdam is not what you can see there.  It is about what you feel.  Amsterdam has its own special atmosphere."  After our first few days here, I think that the statement was pretty accurate.  Talking about a "special atmosphere" might just sound like the weed talking (since it's legal here), but aside from the "buzz" a lot of people are feeling, the city really does just seem like a relaxed and happy place. 

The coffee shops are everywhere (the places where people can go to purchase marijuana and smoke it freely), all of the tourist shops have bongs for sale, and there are more food places scattered throughout the pedestrian area than anywhere else we've been.  Still, it's not just a place for happy, hungry, sleepy stoners.  The canals everywhere are amazing, and the city is a mixture of old and new buildings.  We even came across a carnival set up in the center of the pedestrian area (Laura is still trying to talk Bryan into riding the tall swing ride!)


We still have a few days in Amsterdam, and we're going to try to visit the Anne Frank house, the Red Light District (during the day!), and a few other places of interest before we leave.... but mostly, we're just going to enjoy the atmosphere.

Laura and Bryan

Add a comment »