As foretold in the previous post, it was time for me to take a little break from trying to see every sight in Europe and relax a little. Amsterdam was a good place to do so. My hotel was in what seems to be one of the best neighborhoods in the city, the Jordaan. It’s full of old houses, picturesque canals, and lots of cozy cafes and pubs. By contrast, the city center, radiating out from Dam Square, is one giant tourist ghetto. The Jordaan feels like the place where the locals hang out.
Speaking of tourists, the Red Light District is unbelievably crowded with gawkers. I even saw several elderly couples wandering around taking pictures.
I did do a little sightseeing. I went to the Anne Frank house, which was very humbling. I also took a boat tour through the city’s canals and around the harbor. But that was about it.
The people were very friendly. I had a great dinner, sitting at the bar, at a neighborhood joint called Vlaming Eten en Drinken. The two bartender/waitresses were very chatty and eager to discuss LA.
I would love to go back to Amsterdam some time. There are more sights to see, but moreover, it’s a great place to hang out and have a beer. And a pancake!
Update: here are some photos from this part of my trip:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/therealmiked/sets/72157608744323627/
One Response to “A Dam Cool Town”
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And when you say “relax” in A-dam, you mean….