Amsterdam: canals, coffeehouses and colorful people

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This weekend Jess, Miles, Josh, and I went to Amsterdam. We took a rideculously long busride from Prague, I think it was about 17 hours there (we hit traffic) and 16 hours on the way back, so we pretty much spent the same amount of time in Amsterdam as we did on the bus, but it was totally worth it. I think Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its a pretty strong competitor even against Portland (Oregon). The whole city is built on canals and people ride their boats down them like they're just strolling along through a park and the whole city is run by the bike community. It's relaxing to wander through the streets and enjoy the beautiful views of the canals and of course, the weather could not be any more perfect while we were there. It was sunny and seventies to eighties the entire weekend. The coffeehouse experience was interesting, to go into any random place and see people rolling joints and smoking in public is such a culture shock for me as an American, it was weird to be in the middle of it. We spent a lot of our time strolling the streets and enjoying the beautiful weather. We spent almost an entire day in Vondel Park, a huge park in the middle of the city. Not only was it a gorgeous landscape but there were all sorts of interesting people hanging out, playing frisbee and riding their bikes.
The food was good too. I had all sorts of splendid delights while in Amsterdam: calzone, pasta, ice cream, unbelievable pancakes, tiramisu, of course it had all the greatest little munchie stands, and the coffee was great too. I had some of the best cappuccinos of my life in that city.
Pretty much good times all around. If I return to any city thus far on my journey through Europe, it will definitly be Amsterdam. I wish I had a week longer to visit, see more museums and rent a bike and ride it through the canaled streets.
Photos made possible by Joshua Adam Kinne.

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Photos

View from the bridge
I can't even describe how beautiful the canals were.

Boats and Bikes
The two basic modes of transportation in Amsterdam.

At Vondel Park
Jess and Miles relaxing in the park.

More Vondel Park
Its like a Monet painting.

Jolly Josh
Hanging at Vondel Park

Relaxing at Vondel Park
Soaking up the sun.

Beautiful Vondel Park
It was half forest, half fairytale and half picnic haven.

Yes, more Vondel Park
I can't get enough of this place.

Perfect Day
Enjoying the view and sunny weather. Probably one of the best days of my life.

Amsterdam by night
Ghosts on bikes.

Comments

[anonymous]

Wow- those pictures look so good, where did you get them? I mean, they could be on postcards or something, don't you think ;-) Vondel Park- definately one of the best days of my life.