Amsterdam is the first city that I´ve explored here in Europe and it left a lasting impression on me. I remember pushing my daughter´s stroller along the busy streets in Museumplein and I was like thinking ” this city is really different“.Now, i can´t separate Amsterdam from Tulips, cheese and Van Gogh.These three things made me love this city very much.

Well, that is only my opinion.The canals,the massive amount of bicycles, world class museums, beautiful but pricey I must say, and it´s one of a kind culinary threats are just one of the few things that stands out in this charming city.

Everytime we visit Amsterdam, we discovered something new. Like a new alley, a new restaurant, a new play area for children, new food and probably a new cheese flavor.So it really makes every trip memorable.

My daughter says she hates Amsterdam.I can´t blame her, in our visits, we hardly find any playgrounds for her in the vicinity and especially in the winter, except in the Museums and science centers.She comments how so much litter and garbage scattered in the streets and it´s just cold and wet during our last visit.

Nemo Art science Center is far far the place that she enjoyed. She cannot handle yet that heavy art culture in the Museumplein where van Gogh ,Rembrandt ,Ver Meer and Mondrian showcase their masterpieces.But one thing though that we all loved from our last trip in Amsterdam was eating this calorie bomb–Olliebollen!

I love it as well. It´s a deep fried dough, more like the quark dough balls here in Germany but with raisins.I can eat 6 pcs in one time.I lost count how many we´ve bought throuout our trip. I love it when its freshly made and soft.The best that I´ve tried was the one from the stall near Rembrandt Square.I am not so fond of Dutch food since almost everything is fried, oily and fatty.

But kidding aside, what´s to love really in Amsterdam?

For first timers, Amsterdam can be a pretty sight. I love nature and prefer going to mountains but sometimes, a change of scenery like old city sights is also good for the soul.For me personally, I love the vibes in Amsterdam, though honestly it can be so touristy.When I first set my foot in Amsterdam last June 2016, I fell in love with the city. It´s totally different. The canals, the amazing architecture of the traditional Dutch houses, and the vibrancy of the city.Of course, not to mention the rich Art culture which I am very interested.I felt like I can´t get enough of the city, there´s too many tiny streets along the canals that I wanted to explore. Too many little,narrow but quaint nooks and up until now, I haven´t seen it all.the locals are friendly and I don´t panic even if they speak in Dutch because I somewhat understand them, but basically english is very widely spoken.

Walking through the canals with the view of the water boats and houses is one of the free things you can do if you have tons of time to kill.If yo´re feeling romantic, then walking through the canals is also very worthwhile.This is typical sight in Amsterdam-a bridge over canal and lots of bikes stalled on each sides.Everyone rides the bike, and it´s amazing. Watching how chaotic the traffic is, its a nightmare to drive through its narrow streets and find a parking space.

Watching the people, tourists and locals go on by their daily hustle and bustle makes me loose my focus. Everyone seemed to be very busy, especially when it´s a nice weather, nobody waste it! Everyone has something to do.Beware of the cyclists though-they don´t have patience, they will just go as if they have all the right of way so you should be cautious when cyclists are on your way.

Amsterdam is also a great base to start any european travel since it is connected to major cities like Brussels, Berlin, Munich or Paris.From Schiphol, we were alble to explore beautiful towns like Utrecht,Lisse /Keukenhof, Zaandam, Zaanse-Schans , Haarlem and Zanvoort.

In Amsterdam, i have the feeling that I have a grasp of the city, unlike the huge metropolis of Seoul or the labyrinth of streets of Brussels, well at least the metro station is well connected so using public transportation is a great help .

Though most of the famous sights are within walkable distance, it can also be exhausting.We have this habit of just letting ourselves get lost though the alleys and if we see something that is interesting, then we make a stop.

A boat covered in moss, well that is typical in Amsterdam too.I lost count just how many boats in Amsterdam since there are so many.Some with a small balcony with chairs and hammocks too so i guess during summer things really get cozy here.

And picturesque , antique Dutch houses are always a threat. The architecture is really fascinating and makes me wonder how is it to live in these houses.I reall enjoyed photographing the city and its sights.Every pitch is unique and eclectic.If you think about it, the picturesque sight of the traditional dutch houses along the canals is really one of a kind.Venice is enchanting too, but Amsterdam is like modernity meets the old historical town.Originally the town for the wealthy people, most of these houses were built in the 17th century.Amsterdam canal belt is on the Unesco World Heritage list.

But in summer, Amsterdam can be quite very busy and expensive.Aside from the tourist attractions, with plenty of events, concerts and exhibits, the city is bustling and so lively. It is the heart and center of the Netherlands so no wonder why there´s always going on in here.If you get tired of the crowds, you can just escape to Voldelpark and enjoy some peace under the shade of the trees.

I am sure I will have new impressions and stories when we visit Amsterdam again. I haven´t seen all the top sights but I am excited and looking forward to seeing them soon.

What´s your favourite city so far?

Until then, Tschüss!