Amsterdam - When my husband's colleague and some friends asked where we're going - an interesting reaction, that curious look, that knowing half-smile on their faces. "Amsterdam," they say with a mischievous grin, "lucky you!" that never bother me so much having no clue about what they meant until my husband told me about the legal prostitution and the numerous marijuana-selling coffee shops. I did my research and I was aware that Amsterdam is famous of their "coffee shops" which I imagined loads of hot chocolates/teas/lattes and desserts to try (I know, I should have done my research seriously, haha!) .
Four days in Amsterdam isn't enough to see what the place has to offer but we made sure to make the most of the four days worth it. The city is small enough to get around by foot and yes, everyone speaks English. Our winter trip to Amsterdam saved us quite a bit on travel expenses. Not only are flights to Amsterdam cheaper in the winter months – sometimes less than half what you’d pay during the summer – the prices on Amsterdam hotels and hostels are drastically reduced as well so that was a great bargain for us. We booked in ITC hotel thru booking.com for 200euro for three nights. It's very accessible to all city's attractions and it's located just by the canal.
We spent two days seeing Amsterdam city center by foot and nearby museums. You can use the hop on- hop off sightseeing by double-decker bus and boat for 24 hours for 26euro/person but we preferred to walk. Hello? I'm a photo fanatic, how could I take good pictures if I'm in the bus? but of course, we did not miss the lovers canal cruise and enjoyed the breathtaking views of Amsterdam from the water for 11euro/person.
Have you heard about the Red Light District (RLD) – The RLD has been there reputedly since the 15th century when most of this area (De Wallen) was a haunt of sailors from ships moored close by. It can get very crowded on weekend evenings. Out of curiosity that we went to the place, how it actually looks like and all...so...a brief description - the ladies were in each glass cubicle waiting for customers to pick them, sex live shows are open like cinemas, peep shows, sex shops and some walls with satanic writings and drawings. It's not normal, not pleasing, the other side of the world (hell?). Witnessing and actually being in that place made us very sad plus we saw some Christians preaching the bible weaving placards with bible verses just at the other side of the bridge. Reaching the end point of the red light district, husband and I became emotional that I wanted to turn around and give those Christians a hug :( .
Moving on... Tulip Mania- Tulips really are an integral part of Amsterdam life and culture. It would be nice to see the 12,000 hectares of tulip bulbs but they are yet to bloom on the month of April so we just visited the flower market on our third day. We also visited some museums such as The Rijksmuseum, Museums of bags and purses, Van Gogh Museum and the Torture Museum. I have read once that it's a MUST for a traveler to visit each Country's museum to know it's history and understand their culture. Join at least 3 to 5 group tours because traveling to one place is not only taking selfies and pictures but also providing yourself with interesting information, which you would not otherwise learn.
FOOD - we are not a fan of McDonald's, we love to try the local foods of each place we are visiting. Amsterdam is full of different cuisine from all around the world but what we enjoyed most is the shawarma, not a local food though but because it's our favorite when we were in Qatar. We ate twice in wok to walk, it's an Asian restaurant where you can make your own recipe with the freshest ingredients and it's
cheap. The stroopwafels is very good with tea and you might want to bring home to share to family and friends. We also hunt the best apple pie in town, the Papeneiland cafe is one of the oldest cafes in Amsterdam – a really historic spot. Bill Clinton famously once came here for a cappuccino and a slice of apple pie, thanks to our very informative tour guide :)
We had the Dutch Countryside tour on our fourth day. I would say that it was the highlight of our Amsterdam trip. We tasted the globally renowned cheese of Edam, it was great! made me full because I tasted all flavors, I actually finished each platter (lol). We also witnessed the art of wooden shoe making in Marken, we took a tranquil cruise to Volendam- (feeling VIP during the cruise) and we marveled at the ancient windmills of Zaanse Schans. A beautiful experience indeed and this is how we spent our third wedding anniversary. Thanks be to God for everything. One thing off our bucket list. P.S I wanted to share more, I know I did not cover other events but it's already 2am and I am sooo sleepy right now. I'm just grateful and happy to be able to write again. God bless eveyone :)
Another P.S- We of course did not miss to be productive and photographed some of our Bran Marion nautical bracelets :) It's a business with pleasure. Thank you Lord :) www.branmarion.com ETSY store https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/TheBranMarion?ref=profile_shopname
