I am quickly learning that many cities in Europe that have a system of canals are referred to as the Venice of the North. Amsterdam has not escaped this moniker and given the size and scope of of Amsterdam's canals I suspect it is the city most suited to being likened to Venice.
We decided the best way to experience the romantic waterways was to take a canal cruise. The paddle boats would have taken a few days to navigate the city; why is it that no matter how hard you pedal, paddle boats seem to top out at 1 mile an hour? Swimming wasn't really an option, we didn't bring wet suits and the water is dirty enough that it follows the same routine as some celebrities (a good flush and a cleanse once a week).
A trip to Amsterdam isn't complete without a stop at the Vincent van Gogh museum. It was impressive to see not only van Gogh's evolution over his ten years as an artist, but also the work of artists that influenced him.
Much like a visit to the van Gogh museum, a visit to the city's seediest area, the Red Light District, is also compulsory when visiting Amsterdam. Unlike the Red Light District of Antwerp that bordered on down right scary, Amsterdam's RLD had a jovial and celebratory feel. Hordes of young men roved the streets, as did bachelorette parties, businessmen, and even a few families. We found the best way to take in the hustle and bustle of the evenings festivities was to enjoy a few beers at the corner bar that boasts and exceptional vantage point. We weren't the only ones who had this idea as the bar was filled with looky-loos just like us.
Photo Credit: RLD photo by bigadventureslittlemoney.wordpress
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