Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a helluva town I say. It's the kind of place I'd like to live in one day, or at least visit if I ever have a kid who studies abroad there. Speaking of which, I first visited this fair city when I was in college studying horticulture. Visit the Netherlands and you'll never think of tulips in the same way again!
Coming from the US, the first thing you'll notice is the superior airport and train system. I mean, would you ever eat a banana while in the subway in New York City? Viva la the simple things in life!
I dare say there are few cooler places to stay in Amsterdam than the Miauw Suites. Located in "9 straatjes", a Soho-like area in City Centre, not only do you have great views of the canal, but you can also sit and watch thousands of bicyclists peddle by your window. The suite we stayed in also had a sink in the bedroom and a shower stall / toilet combo situated in between the bedroom and living room. It might sound strange, but it was pretty suite!
Oh, and for a fun fact, "miauw" means "meow" in Dutch!
Amsterdam is known for its canals, so a canal boat ride should definitely be on your itinerary. While some people complain, I actually enjoy doing touristy things. Sometimes it's quite fun to drink a beer and shoot the shit with a tourist from another part of the world that, like you, is super excited to be whereever they are in the world!
I have a very clear memory of hanging out in Museumplein both times I was in Amsterdam, which is a public space surrounded by several amazing museums. There's something so nice about the sloped corner of the park, which reminds me of the Hypar Pavilion, at New York’s Lincoln Center.
If cheese is your jam, be sure to swing by Amsterdam Cheese Company. They have lots and lots of samples, and are known for their delicious Dutch gouda. Also, be sure to swing by Amsterdam's famous floating Flower Market (known locally as Bloemenmakrt), which has been in operation since 1862. While I didn't buy any flowers, I did get a couple of fun souveniers there..
I imagine if you ever find yourself in Texas you might say, "Wow, lots of people here wear cowboy hats." Well, similarly, while in Amsterdam you'll undoubtedly notice that almost everyone rides bikes. This is why, when walking around, you definitely need to make sure you're aware of the bike lanes. It's also why you should definitely rent a bike to ride around yourself!
We rented a couple of cruisers from Mike's Bikes. Unlike riding a bike in other major cities, riding around Amsterdam is extremely fun and relaxing.
The Anne Frank Museum is an important place to visit while in Amsterdam. It's situated right on the canal, so sitting and reflecting a little after your visit is pretty convenient, and necessary.
For years and years I've thought that FOAM was one of the best and most exciting photography magazines out there. Lucky for me (and you), their museum in Amsterdam is quite exciting as well! While there we saw an incredible photo series of rural families living in Eastern Europe.
