Amsterdam on the Fly

Pigeons! Pigeons are everywhere! I think they are about as stoned as the tourists, however, as I watched a 2 year old child walk up to one and pick it up. I remember thinking, "Put it down! Dirty bird, dirty bird!" I must admit that I did spend a leasurely lunch time on a bench watching the pigeons interact with each other. One poor pigeon must of been the outcast, as every female he went up to strutted quickly away. Maybe I shouldn't travel alone anymore, huh? I never felt lonely, though, as everyone was so friendly and other travelers were as eager to talk as I was.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking, tram and canal boats. Biking is also recommended as the land is perfect for bike touring and there are plenty of bike rental agencies. I didn't rent a bike myself, but I plan to on my next visit.

Friendly, clean and convenient. It was my first time staying in a hostel and I loved it! Even though one of the women in my dorm shouted in her sleep, I enjoyed the experience. Besides, great stories are part of the fun of traveling! The breakfast was only so-so with meat/cheese and cereal, but it was included and made a nice start to the day. Several special things: a) bedding is provided, b) internet access, c) lockers for day storage, d)bar/restaurant for evening meals and socializing and e)lots of tourist info and helpful staff. By the way, each room has a sink, shower and toilet, so you don't have to go down the hall. Just remember your own towel!

The current price p.p. in a dorm room (sleeps 8) is 19.00 to 21.00 euros. It is slightly cheaper if you are an HI member. The hostel is located near the Leidseplein where you can eat, drink, get a tram or just plain hang out. I can highly recommend hanging out in Vondelpark, where the hostel is located, for part of the day. Just don't go wandering too deep into the park at night. If you have no where special to go in the evening, hang out at the Brasserie Backbackers. Or go for a pre-evening Heineken. Each evening, after a full day of sightseeing, I would go to the bar and write in my journal, drink a beer and listen to the people talking in the many different languages around me. What a super reminder of what a small world we really live in!

The flower market was great way to spend my last afternoon. Open from 8am-8pm, the Singel becomes awash with color and perfume with flowers and plants filling the barges along the canal. The sight of those glorious flowers and the smell stayed with me all the way home. Check with the seller if you plan to bring bulbs home with you. I purchased bulbs that were sealed and stamped for customs so that I was able to bring them into the country without a hitch. I have no idea whether I paid too much or not, as I haven't purchased tulip bulbs before, but I really didn't care. Seeing the beautiful color and the smile on my mother's face when they bloomed the next spring made it all worth it.

It is appropriate that the home of so many Dutch masterpieces would be a masterpiece of Dutch architecture. I will speak of the art later, but the premises must also be praised. As I walked up to the Rijksmuseum, I was first struck by the beauty of this amazing building and its gardens. Then I wondered how to get in. The museum is open from 10-5 daily and costs 8.50 euros for adults. Children under age 19 are free.

The first thing you will see as you walk in is Rembrandt's The Night Watch. It thrilled me from the end of the hall (if you can see it past the crowd). I am sad to admit that my knowledge of Dutch painters was limited before I went to the Rijksmuseum, but it has greatly increased since. Besides The Night Watch, there are 4 exquisite Vermeer's, a couple of van Gogh's (most are at the Van Gogh Museum, of course), and much more, including Delft, Durer and other works by Rembrandt.

If you don't have an entire day, pick up a museum map and go to those that interest you the most. While there are more than just Dutch artists represented, it is the Dutch collection you mustn't miss.

Check out the collection at Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.

If you want to tour the canals at your own pace, try Canal Bus. I loved it as a one day pass (14 euros) is good until noon the next day and you can get on and off as often as you like from 11 stops. As well as a wonderful transportation option, Canal Bus also has commentary on the sites along the canal. This is where Amsterdam is the most brilliant. The light bouncing off of the water and leaves is magical. The canals are cleaned often, so they aren't cruddy like Venice. The boats aren't fancy, actually the seats are plastic, but it is a great value and the flexibility makes it all worth while. There are 3 different lines that stop near such sites as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House and Central Station. Check out Canal Bus for route details and a timetable.