One thing that almost everyone wants to do in their life is to leave the country and see the world. Last December, I had that chance when I went to the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Many people know of Amsterdam because it was one of the first cities to legalize recreational use of marijuana, and legal prostitution. As you can guess, this gives the city an almost undesirable feel to it for some. But the second I set foot in the city, I fell in love.
The city is absolutely gorgeous. With a rich and interesting culture, and a beautiful people. Canals weave and wind through the city, every other street you go through you’ll pass over another bridge or follow another canal. The view of the little serine boats floating through the canal was peaceful and enjoyable. Every street you walk down, you will be outnumbered by bicycles. Also, the price to park in Amsterdam is incredibly high and most people simply take bikes everywhere.
Arguably, one of the best parts of going to Amsterdam is the fact that almost everyone there can speak very fluent English. And I might go as far as to say many of the Dutch people I met could speak better English than many people I have met here in the states.
I may be slightly biased due to the circumstances during the time when I was in Amsterdam. The previous nine days I had spent in Paris, France. I very much enjoyed my time in Paris, but every aspect of it oozed tourist trap. Easily the most people I have ever seen in one place. And in Amsterdam, there was peace, quiet and, best of all, breathing room. There wasn’t someone at every corner trying to sell me something.
The people of Amsterdam, the Dutch, were some of the friendliest people I have ever encountered. Their entire mentality of living is simply to get along. They did not have issues with their neighbors and believed to each their own. This made a diverse community of people who get along, and were simply happy with their life.
The culture within the city was one that was very modern. It didn’t feel like a place stuck in the past but rather a city and people who are striving to better themselves every single day. And the city always had an upbeat feel to it. Every morning, after leaving the hotel, there was a park that had multiple chess boards for the public to use, including one giant board built into the ground. Every day there would be people, young and old, sitting around watching or playing the game.
The colors, sounds, and smells of the city were intoxicating, in the best way possible. Despite being there during the winter time, facing the cold and walking multiple miles every day, I would have gladly spent months in that city. You could call it love at first sight. Between the french-fry stands with 20 different dipping sauces, to the falafel shops around the town, I loved every step I took in that city.
I would go back to the city tomorrow if I could and I'd even go as far to say that I'd move there. Amsterdam might not be for everyone, but if you want to go to a modern, down to earth and beautiful city, you might just want to check it out for yourself.
