Amsterdam!! One of my most favourite places in Europe. We were lucky to have our friend Ramon there who hosted us during our three days stay. I do not have to cite you the examples why it is a traveller’s paradise,you know it all. But I certainly would like to share, why I loved it . In this era of ‘showing off’ one’s own possessions in every social media, I found the exclusive dependence of the city on bikes extremely appealing..it is so inspiring that somewhere people are so environment friendly .. I loved the greenery-so much within a metro, enjoyed the canals , felt the emotional bond once again with Anne while visiting her house, met some awesome people, got lost in the beautiful Jordaan.. dazzled with the beautiful women in the red light district. made friendship with an old bookshop owner while listening to the story of travel in his young days… was surprised by the ethnic tolerance …and I wanted to go back time & again!!
Amsterdam is truly gezellig, a Dutch quality that translates roughly as cosy, more easily experienced than defined. There’s a sense an intimacy of the here that leaves all your troubles behind, it is so relaxing. But the best way to feel that, is to get lost in the city by foot. It is not a very big town, you can easily cover it by walking in 2 -3 days.Though, the hop off hop on have their own sight seeing tours along with numerous bike tours and boat tours, I would suggest , simply walk and feel the city in your veins.. With the moto “Leef en last leven’ meaning live and let live’ , the city certainly welcomes all visitors.
Botanical garden
Dam Square lies in the historical center of Amsterdam, approximately 750 meters south of the Centraal Station, at the original location of the dam in the river Amstel. It is indeed the most vibrant place of the town. The Dam marks the endpoint of the other well-traveled streets Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat and Damstraat. A short distance beyond the northeast corner lies the main red-light district: de Wallen.
On the west end of the square is the neoclassical Royal Palace, which served as the city hall until its conversion to a royal residence. Beside it are the 15th-century Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The National Monument, a white stone pillar designed by J.J.P. Oud and erected in 1956 to memorialize the victims of World War II, dominates the opposite side of the square. Also overlooking the plaza are the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky and the upscale department store De Bijenkorf. All day long, several street artists and music bands perform here spreading a lively wave .
Amsterdam is certainly ‘the city of bikes’. The bicycle culture with good facilities for cyclists such as bike paths and bike racks, and several guarded bike storage garages (fietsenstalling) for a nominal fee is unique and found in no other city. In 2013, there were about 1,200,000 bicycles in Amsterdam outnumbering the amount of citizens in the city. Theft is widespread – in 2011, about 83,000 bicycles were stolen in Amsterdam. Bicycles are used by all socio-economic groups because of their convenience and Amsterdam’s small size, the 400 kilometres (249 miles) of bike paths…and I guess another reason must be they love their city…
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What vibrant photos! Makes me want to visit Amsterdam even more now. Thank you. 🙂
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Do walk around the city 🙂 it is beautiful
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I definitely will when I have the opportunity to visit. 🙂 Thanks so much!
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😄😊
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Very beautiful!
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Thank you, how are you
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Doing great! Thanx! Just always enjoying your posts!!!! Keep up the good work!!! 🙂
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Thanks 😊
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What fabulous photos! I feel like I have been to Amsterdam – but, of course, I haven’t. But will continue to lust for a visit. Interesting about the huge number of bicycles, but saddening about the equally large number of thefts. That does really spoil the happiness of it.
As always, your photos are so inspiring!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
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Thanks Judie. I hope I could give you a virtual tour. How are you?
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Doing well, thank you. I’d heard good things about Amsterdam, but your photos really brought it to life for me! ;->
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😄😊
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so beautiful! Amazing photos! I really should go there!
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You should 😊
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Love Amsterdam. What a beautiful photo story you have captured. Makes me want to return.
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Thanks
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I love how you describe the mood and mindset of the city. Beautiful photos!
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Thanks, when I was a teenager, I read a story, it said every city has its own tune or language
I always wanted to feel that tune when in a new city
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I like that approach 🙂
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😊
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I’m so glad to tag along on your virtual trip to someplace that I have always wanted to go. Great pics!
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Thank you, then the post is really worth
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let’s imagine that you and your husband, after nineteen years of marriage, were planning your first ever romantic weekend break. Would you choose Amsterdam or Paris ?
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Difficult question. I like Amsterdam more than paris for few reasons, one of them is tolerance towards people from different cultures. also Amsterdam is more young!! But Paris is like an old wine, it grows into you. I guess after 20 years, I would love to walk along the seine with my husband 😊😄
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Plenty of time to ponder while we save up some money! Maybe you could do a ‘perfect romantic weekend post’ ?! 😉
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Sure, I would love to. when do you want it 😊
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If you do one I’ll link to it from my blog…might give Husband a hint in the right direction!
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Ok
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I ll do the next post on it
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Thank you! You are very kind!
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Oh not at all. It is my pleasure 😊😄
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Hi Lynda, I have written the post, check it out. And let me know how do you like it
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Awesome, will have to walk around. Thanks for posting those photos.
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Your pictures make me feel homesick for Europe. I miss traveling all these different countries. I’ve been to Amsterdam, but now I definitely feel that I have to go back and see more.
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Where r u from?
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I’m from Cologne, Germany.
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Wow, I heard it is a beautiful place 😄
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