Wanders The World

When I think of Amsterdam the city in its entirety comes to mind. Unlike other locales where a famous landmark comes to mind, Amsterdam itself forms the image in my mind’s eye. Not many cities have that ability, perhaps because this one is simply cool. Far too many years have passed since I last saw Amsterdam – unless you count the time I was there to get a burger before moving onto my bus and ferry to England. When I was in the Netherlands in December 2014 for one day my friend was amazing – she drove me all over the Dutch countryside and then stopped for that burger. Had I more time I would have re-visited Amsterdam. My prior visit eons ago has left only remnants of memories. I remember canals, colourful narrow buildings and bicycles yet no specifics. A re-visit is certainly due.

It seems the best way to see this colourful city is by being a pedal-pusher. With more bicycles than people and bike paths everywhere it is an obvious choice. Rent a bike and take in the sights. See the colourful gable buildings, chill at any one of parks found in abundance or cruise along the city’s famous canals that make up one quarter of the city space. Tulips are synonymous with The Netherlands so it would be appropriate to visit the floating flower market for not only tulips but flowers of all colours and smells. If you are there in the spring the flower fields (Bollenstreek) are filled with a stunning colour palette of tulips. Later on, when the sun sets and lights go out head out for food and nightlife. Concerts, festivals, cafes and nightclubs will keep you rockin’ and dancing into the wee hours.

By MarcusObal (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons