Amsterdam Revisited

I think Amsterdam is one of the cities that I will always be glad to return. Well, that's not because of marijuana, space "cakes" or red light district. I like the unique atmosphere in the city, its colors in terms of people and diversity, walks along the canals and unique architecture, etc. I should include cheese and syrup wafers as well! Why? Here's the answer.

It was one of the trips that I was looking forward to. The trip itself turned out to be very weird with lots of surprises, but I had a lot of good moments to remember.

In terms of sightseeing and touring, this time I had opportunity to visit Van Gogh museum. That turned out to be very eye opening and I got to learn a lot about one of the most talented artists whose works were also not much appreciated while he was still alive. I don't want to give an opinion much about his art as I am too far from that level, but I noticed a lot of negativity and pessimism in his work. As was the life of Van Gogh which ended with a suicide. There were other art collections there, but I mainly liked Van Gogh's collection.

From Amsterdam, there are a lot of daily tours to Brussels, wind mills village and clog (wooden shoe) factory, cheese factory, fishing towns, etc. I'd definitely recommend these tours (as well as visiting tulip fields between late March and early June) if you have extra time in Amsterdam. Another must-to-do is the boat tour by canal buses (see the video in my previous posts).

Another thing is that I got disappointed by Dutch "space cakes and muffins". My Dutch friend recommended me not to try one whole cake unless I want to get "high". But 3 of us tried one cake and one muffin, and noone felt even a small effect. I guess it was a bad choice with "coffeeshop" or simply these cakes are for tourists only. For those who really intend to "fly", they offer rolls with "grass" and special rooms.

Another funny story happened to us at Thai restaurant. One Asian Thai looking waitress was serving us the dinner, and at the end she asked me where I am from. I said "Kyr-gyz-stan, Central Asia?" pronouncing it carefully, and I was thinking that Thai girl will not know it anyway. But girl's reply was even more funny "Togda mojesh' govorit' so mnoy na russkom!" (in Russian, "then you can talk to me in Russian"). She turned out to be from Kazakhstan, and she was living and working in Amsterdam for 7 years.

Last evening we checked out some of the cafes/bars in Amsterdam. Among these places I really liked Cafe Palladium. It was a posh place with live music and lots of nicely dressed Dutch people. It is one of the cafes where you are likely to meet famous people. Check this place if you are looking for relaxing evening in Amsterdam, it is at Leidseplein.

This time, Linda, my ex flatmate, offered me her hospitality and that was highly appreciated! Not to mention the breakfasts she prepared for me! Also, on the way there I flied with Aaron and his gf, and we caught up in Amsterdam as well.

Also thanks to Veru and Zu for sharing this trip with me!

More tips for travelers: Amsterdam Card - if you are planning to visit lots of museums and stay longer in Amsterdam, then go for the Amsterdam Card. You can purchase it for 2 or more days (48 euro for 2 days) at Tourist Information Center near Centraal Station. This card will give you free(!) access almost to all museums and discount ticket to Madame Thussaud's museum, free transportation pass for the period you purchased, free canal tour, discount at some restaurants. Just for comparisons, 2-day transport ticket is 11 euro, Van Gogh museum ticket is 12 euro, canal tour is 7 or 12 euro, etc... So you can save loads of money with it. (Dutch government didn't pay me any commission for this promotional post ;) )

If you want to just see the city itself, then best option is to rent a bicycle. Depends on the weather of course.

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