Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Going Dutch in Amsterdam


I have traveled to Amsterdam several times and have to say it falls under one of my favorite cities in the world. As most European cities Amsterdam offers wonderful history and architecture and the people are very inviting and open, however this city is so much more. There is a renaissance happening here where unusual is common and it makes spending time there all the more fun!

Amsterdam residents are known for changing things to fit their own purposes in their city, for instance the horseshoe shaped networked of canals around the "Amstel-dam" was originally created for the transportation of goods to city merchants and warehouses today it is where city-dwellers live! The canals make this city a spectacular place to walk as you view the old graceful bridges mooring houseboats and lovely walk-up residences.

There is much new development happening all over Amsterdam. It is like creative reinvention of a city. Funky little neighborhoods with shops and galleries just seem to have cropped up everywhere. People are free to sell and be what they want in Amsterdam. However what makes it all so interesting is their delight in mixing the old with the new. People want to reuse and renew in Amsterdam.

One new interesting area is the new wharf NDSM a 10 minute ferry ride from central train station. When you arrive you see old warehouses and dockyards being given new life filled with creative spaces and commercial space such as the new MTV studios. They have also created an artists compound there called Kunststad, or Art City just for artists to have studios and workshops to include: painters, sculptors, architects, photographers and designers and most of these artists keep their doors open for to show their work. They have also designed an amazing skateboard park here, smart as it keeps the kids off the street and in their own space, it is very unique and well thought out.

The people in Amsterdam offer warm welcome to tourists it is part of their culture and as most cities around the world say they are inviting cities I have never seen it displayed as it is here. The history here is also important because Amsterdam has always been an open city to various faiths and cultures. People came here from all parts of the world during the wars which in the end is what makes this city feel so cosmopolitan. Ethnic cuisine in Amsterdam is abundant!

There is much more to experience here this is just a little teaser, Amsterdam is an easy, interesting and very affordable city don't miss it!

Tammy Zacks-Travel 100 Group

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