We also like Amsterdam We also like Amsterdam. But next time we go to Netherlands we will probably try to explore bits and pieces of the rest of the country because we are sure there is lots of interesting places out there. We made a short road trip in neighbouring Belgium a few years ago and we loved it. /Ake
What a great idea. Instead of considering Amsterdam just a layover, I think it’s worth a further explore. Maybe I’ll combine Belgium with the Netherlands next time. Maybe follow the coast to Bruges. There’s just so many places, so little time!
On behalf of the Dutch.. I thank you for all the praise you lavish on us, but unfortunately I feel it is quite undeserved. We are not as polite, or tolerant, or even as trendsetting as we make outsiders believe. This might have been true 20 years ago, but times have changed and, as in many places around the world, a rather nasty undercurrent has developed. If you would talk to a lot of our immigrant population about the Dutch you might not think the Dutch so tolerant. Thought, I daresay we aren't any worse than anywhere else. It's just that we aren't any better either. In many ways I would say Canada is ahead of Holland, but perhaps that is because, like you in regards to Holland, I only hear and see part of the story. When you don't live in a country you tend only to see the good, or perhaps you see what you want to see, who knows. Still, once again, I thank you for the kind words. It is a reciprocal feeling, I think most of the Dutch find Canada and Canadians equally amazing.
You make good points Ralf. I highly suspect if Canada had the same migrant crisis currently faced in the EU, we’d struggle as a nation to maintain our sunshiny reputation! Hell our neighbour to the south continues his quest for a wall and it seems Many Canadians secretly like this idea, so we don’t have to look like the bad guy. Ugly humanity is just under the surface any where you go. I know this and chose to see positivity if I can. Hey. This sounds like a good discussion to have over a bottle of Rioja....!!!
Life is an adventure..... and then there is Amsterdam Your airbnb host is a whacko.... I hope you warned people in the review. Sounds like the poor boy has spent too many years in the bottle. Amsterdam has something for everyone.... the good, the bad and the ugly. Love the canals, boats and museums. Danger, danger watch out for those bicycles as they do have the right of way and will mow you down. I was laughing when you said your fellow Canadian baled out early. I think he might have needed the two of you to keep him safe.
Welcome to Amsterdam! You summed it up in a nutshell, there are a lot of nice people, creepy people, crazy people, bizarre people, naughty people and bad people, both local and foreign. As a Dutch person I am not overly fond of Amsterdam, it has become a bit too much Disney on drugs, with too many tourist and too few locals, too many souvenir stalls and too little simple grocery stores. This is, by the way, a problem the municipality is working on, because it is starting to cause irritations. Saying all that, it remains a beautiful city, and its museums and other attractions are always worth visiting. But next time you visit The Netherlands, perhaps you should stay in Utrecht or Leiden, both have direct train connections with Schiphol, and are about 20 minutes away by train. They are cheaper to stay, are not filled with tourists, and have plenty to see and do, and equally good bars, cafe's and terraces but without the hassles you get in Amsterdam. Plus if you really miss Amsterdam, it's an easy 20 minute train ride away from both, every 10 minutes or so... You can even party in Amsterdam till the wee hours of the morning,if you so prefer, and get back to both places as trains run throughout the night.
Apparently Dr J gets nothing but 5 star reviews!!! Going back 10 years! So I’m hoping he only felt relaxed enough to unleash Dr. Hyde on us, and keeps him squirreled away in the attic for most of other his customers. Overall, it was a top notch rental, perfectly situated, and he was over the top hospitable and helpful. I guess Winnie and I bring out the worse in some people lol. This is why I travel.
Welcome to Amsterdam! I loved Amsterdam but truly, I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Holland. The people are so amazing, food, landscapes, history, way of life! Shall I continue. You are so lucky to belong to such a diverse, tolerant, polite, trendsetting culture. Canada can only try to be what Holland is. Yes, a bit of a downer that Amsterdam is more like Las Vegas of Holland but if it’s being contained, who’s it hurting. It makes for a fun introduction if nothing else.
An AirBnb to avoid Love your observations on Amsterdam. We're off there later in the year, and about to try to book some accommodation. Sounds like there is an AirBnb to be avoided like the plague.....
There’s always one bad apple in a bunch. Isn’t there? Please don’t let my recount repel you. Air BnB is the only way to do Amsterdam!!!! Honest! I can’t say enough, it is so fun and interesting there. Even though the locals seem to resent it’s hedonistic side, they tolerate it because they know it’s pretty great. Have a wonderful trip!!
It's my turn You always leave intelligent comments on my blog, so now it's my turn. I really enjoyed your account of Amsterdam. Like the poor guy being serviced in the red light district, I also felt like I'd been through the wringer. You accomplished a lot in just a few days and all of it was exhausting and hilarious.
Liz
The many faces of Amsterdam I'm very intrigued by your Airbnb host! Surely someone who leaves you a fridge full of cheese and other goodies can't be all bad right? If we visit Amsterdam in the near future, I'm definitely getting his details off you :)
AirBnB...Dutch style Amsterdam has now risen even further up my wish list Andrea. We have heard many tales of that wonderful city now Anna-Louise has returned from one year in the Netherlands and her super nice boyfriend from Amsterdam is spending a few weeks with us. We want to see the Rijsmuseum, the canals and other famous sights. But we want to also visit the dark side...and your AirBnB recommendation gives us a clue where to find that!
The Dutch Dark Side Oh believe me if you are looking for a little dark and crazy you’ll find it in Amsterdam. With the new family connection do you might find yourself there more often!
Happy birthday Andrea! Wow! What an amazing birthday weekend for you! Happy birthday indeed, and wishing you a wonderful celebratory birth-year ahead! This is also my 40th celebratory birth-year, which I have been celebrating for some time now! Why just one day for such a special occasion! :D
50 and somehow survived Fantastic that you made sure your 50th was a birthday to remember, Andrea. And what a birthday shindig! When you have recovered...hopefully you will discover that 50 is when one realises that life is really just beginning.
I made it! A few scars and some good stories. I’m already feeling like I can take on the world. 50 is the new 30 - with money and no obligations. Cheers Dancing Dave!
Happiest of birthdays Andrea! Spain has been my most favourite country in the world for many years, and all this talk of festivals in Barcelona in September has made me add it to my wish list of countries to spend my 50th in too (list stands at five potentials now)! Love your photos of all the gorgeous madness. So is your birthday on the 24th or 25th? Mine's on the 23rd... I should have known you were a September baby - we totally rock ;)
Sounds like a great birthday Oh my God. Gaudí sure was a genius. It sounds like you had a great birthday. I guess Barcelona is an excellent place to have your birthday in. /Ake
This Canadian girl's passion for travel comes from two very adventurous parents. My brother and I spent most of our youth traveling all over North America in the family campervan, airplane & boat - going as far west as the Hawaiian islands, as far north as Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Sea...and as far south as Mexico and beyond, doing lots of adventurey stuff...canoeing, surfing, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, exploring, jellyfish poking...it was the best childhood ever!
Nowadays most of my vaycay-time is spent in and around "Los Cabos" on the tip of beautiful Baja California Sur, Mexico. ... full info
Ake Och Emma
Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro
We also like Amsterdam
We also like Amsterdam. But next time we go to Netherlands we will probably try to explore bits and pieces of the rest of the country because we are sure there is lots of interesting places out there. We made a short road trip in neighbouring Belgium a few years ago and we loved it. /Ake