Amsterdam Journals

Amsterdam on the Fly

A May 1999 trip to Amsterdam by Mchaela

Quote: Before meeting friend in Washington D.C., I decided to spend a couple of days in Amsterdam...my first trip overseas alone. I know its not on the way from Minneapolis, but it was well worth it!

Amsterdam on the Fly

Overview

Quote:

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...Read More

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Stayokay Hostel Vondelpark

Hotel | "City Hostel Vondelpark"

Quote:

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 r...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 25, 2002

Stayokay Hostel Vondelpark
Zandpad 5
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1054 GA
+31 (20) 589 89 96

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Bloemenmarkt

Attraction

Quote:

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.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 25, 2002

Bloemenmarkt
Singel
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 AZ

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Rijksmuseum

Attraction

Quote:

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...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 25, 2002

Rijksmuseum
Stadhouderskade 42
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1071 ZD
+31 20 674 70 00

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Canal Bus

Story/Tip

Quote:

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, Rembr...Read More