Amsterdam

Amsterdam is everything you imagine it to be and more. A multi-faceted gem nestled in a setting surrounded by agriculture and commerce, it is at once a bustling center of tourism and debauchery-and a great place to settle and raise a family. "What has she been smoking" you might ask? Some pretty good shit franchement, (but that is neither here nor there). Upon arrival by train at Amsterdam Centraal Station one is immediately innundated by hordes of pedestrians rushing to and fro. Some are commuters running for the train that will carry them to work, but most are confused tourists getting in the way of the former as they navigate their way through a maze of fast food take out stands and last minute tulip vendors. Upon finding the exit one has the sense of being in sort of a Disneyland/carnival atmosphere. All trolley lines it seems begin and end at Centraal Station, a giant brick structure with two towers that house clocks large enough to see from a kilometer away. Young travelers equipped with dredlocks and backpacks hang around outside munching gyros and smoking one last fag before catching their departing trains. Beggars mingle amongst them hoping to scrounge a few euro, and there is a lone Jesus freak doing his very best to save those who have sinned in the sinningest city in Europe. Weaving through the masses of people coming and going, and taking care to mind all trolleys whose tracks crisscross over the streets, one makes one's way to Damrak, the main street in Downtown Amsterdam. And let the show begin! Do you like museums? Amsterdam has many fine installations for your enjoyment. Tired of that depressed old Vincent Van Gogh? Allow me to suggest the Vodka Museum! Just steps away you will find the ever popular Sex Museum, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, and the Condomerie, where your opportunity to photograph a wide assortment of novelty condoms hanging in the window is (evidently) not to be missed. Tourist shops line the boulevard, the hot ticket items seeming to be bright orange wooden shoes, cannabis seeds, and something to drink. As in most European cities, the shops are located on the bottom floor of a multi storied dwelling, with living space in the apartments above. The architecture is difficult to describe- a sort of mélange of four storied gingerbread buildings crowded together, most leaning precariously on it's neighbor for support. Canals meander gently through the city, inviting one to rent a boat and explore quieter neighborhoods away from the circus that is downtown. It is in these quiet places one realizes what a good way of life it is in Amsterdam. There is a sense of community, acceptance and tolerance. Bicycling is the preferred mode of transportation, and the neighborhoods occupied by young families are clean and peaceful. The air is brisk and fresh, people smile easily, and every small business has a cat on premise. It is a real joy to explore by boat or bike, and the balance one needs to survive party town. Which every canal and every trolley leads back to eventually... Must do's in Amsterdam: The Anne Franck House, apple cake with cream, the "green light district", shopping the boutiques. (Amsterdam has some great fashion, much more interesting than Paris!) What to avoid: Going to the red light district to gawk at the hookers, (unless of course you are intending to hire one) ANY restaurant in the red or green light district (the food is crap), and stepping out in front of a moving bicycle (certain death) It's an Amster-dam good time!