Traveling by train has been wonderful and I highly endorse any rail infrastructural improvements the USA makes. We took the train from Antwerp to Amsterdam, a trip that took about an hour an a half.From the moment we stepped off the train in Amsterdam our nostrils filled with the aroma of marijuana, I knew I was in love with this city, and I don't even smoke pot!
Once again following Rick Steves' advice we got off the beaten path and decided to do a little urban camping. The campground was located a 15 minute tram ride outside of the city center and proved to be a welcome change after our sketchy accommodations in Antwerp. The best way to describe our campground would be hippy commune meets state park. There was no shortage of amenities and plenty of dreadlocks and pot smoking; not to mention they had GOATS!!
The city of Amsterdam was, for a lack of a better word, AMAZING. History seemed to seep from the intricate gables and the cobblestone eluded to a time when Amsterdam was a civic powerhouse.
With three nights on our Amsterdam agenda we spent the first night wandering around and orienting ourselves in an attempt to maximize our Amsterdam impact. As we wandered the streets we stumbled upon a Gouda cheese factory right in the middle of the city! Being the good Wisconsinites that we are, we had to go in and sample the wares. Jeepers they were good, I would say Gouda is some of the smoothest and most delicious cheese ever! I have a strong suspicion that there will be a Gouda fondue on the menu when we return home!
HI J & B,
ReplyDeleteAmsterdam is a place I would really, really enjoy. Your description makes my mouth water for some of that cheese. The pictures are amazing. I tried taking the cheese out of the picture, but can't seem to hold on to it...it's stuck. xoxox Kitkat