We took a family trip to Amsterdam and it was by far one of the coolest cities we have ever been to. The canals that wind throughout the city provide picturesque views and captive you as you walk throughout. The Dutch are such lovely people and their culture was so pleasant. Bikers rule the roads and I mean rule the roads. They are everywhere. No one wears helmets and many will be carrying small children in baskets on the front or friends sitting sideways on the back.
The beauty of the city, while very large, is you can walk from one side to the other in an hour. We had a list of sites we wanted to see and things we wanted to do and were able to do most of them all the first day. Unfortunately the weather was pretty poor on Friday and rained all morning until early afternoon, but came well equipped.
Highlights of the Trip:
Museumplein: Since it was raining we thought we would try to visit the Van Gogh Museum. We are not art people, but of all museums and artists, we thought we would enjoy that one. We weren't the only tourists in town with that idea and found a long line wrapped around the building. No thank you.
Same intentions with the Rijksmuseum, but both days found super long lines and knew AB would not hang. The architecture of the museum is so beautiful and sets a great backdrop for museumplein, where a lot of the famous museums are located.
Bloenmarkt: I wanted to see the floating flower market, as it is the only floating flower market in the world, and while it was pretty and neat to see, it wasn't breathtaking. The market spans about a half mile long and is filled with houseboats, floating on the water, offering a variety of bulbs.
I Amsterdam: We wanted to get some pictures with Annabelle in front of the I Amsterdam sign and as I was snapping photos, this Chinese woman came up to Annabelle and picked her up. I was looking around wondering what was happening and I saw her husband behind me snapping photos of this woman holding Annabelle. It was so odd, but Andy and I were standing there looking at each other laughing like is this really happening?! She finally moved away from Annabelle after Andy basically picked her up and was like what the heck and then she ran over and showed me all these pictures on her phone of what I concluded was her daughter or grand-daughter? Wish I could explain it more accurately, but basically Annabelle got kidnapped by a Chinese woman for her tourists pictures. Ekkkk….
Red Light District: You cannot go to Amsterdam and not venture through the Red Light District. I think I was most excited to see this area and if it truly was what it has been painted out to be. Well let's just say I was slightly uncomfortable walking through the streets and viewing what the scenery had to offer. I think I felt sorry more than anything for these women that stand in the stall windows twirling their hair, some eating chips, some smoking cigarettes, hoping that a man will come and "make a deal" with them. We saw women of all shapes and sizes, some not dressed at all and others with some interesting undergarments. We were told you were not allowed to snap photos, so secretively tried to take some as we strolled along pushing our stroller. Yes we got some looks and were the ONLY people in the district with child. Classic.
Weed/Pot/Marijuana: Okay call me immature, but think it is fascinating that you can just walk into a bar and buy some pot or a store and buy a bong. I had to see it with my own eyes, so went into a couple bars that had glass Burken-type jars sitting on the counter filled with grass that was for the taking. My favorite was a bar down by the Red Light District that had a haze billowing out the front door, with people doing their thing inside and a Pringles machine when you walked out in case you needed some munchies for the road. Don't worry Mom and Dad, we did not experiment :)
Nuclear Summit: We quickly learned that Amsterdam was preparing for the Nuclear Summit during our time there. Andy had learned about it when he headed off early in the week and as the weekend rolled around, the increase in security and personnel started to make their presence throughout the city. Our hotel was bumping with security and a large police barricade Saturday, as someone attending the conference was staying at our hotel. It was pretty neat to see the city prepare for such an event and the security all around.
Flight Cancelled: Not delayed, but cancelled. We were scheduled to leave late Saturday night and as we were at the airport eating dinner, Andy got a message on his phone that our flight had been cancelled. After an hour wait on trying to figure out how we were going to make it home, we were told that there were no flights out that night or the next morning, so would be on an afternoon flight with an additional stop in Lisbon. We proceeded to get in this over sized van, no car seat as we knew we would take public transportation all week, going 60 miles per hour down this side street to an airport hotel for the night. Can't say it was an awful hotel by any means and were in company with what seemed like the entire Dutch army that was put up there in preparation of the nuclear summit. We kept our spirits high, proceeded to raid the mini bar, and were thankful that Annabelle was such a trooper!! Extra day also meant another day of Starbucks!
On the canal outside our hotel. Day 1 and 2.
I Amsterdam letters on Museumplein with Rijksmuseum in back. Trying to get a family picture…and then the interruption occurred.
Friday rainstorm, umbrellas in hand. Poor AB yet again in her stroller.
Bloenmarkt (floating flower market):
Bikes…and more bikes:
Dam Square. Ironically there was a protest going on, but decided to pass on partaking in this one.
Amsterdam Central Station:
This pretty much sums up the city.
We didn't go on the Heineken Tour as our concierge told us children were not allowed, but had to walk by and get a picture in front of it.
Red Light District:
American food store next to the Magic Mushroom store. Grab a box of Cheez-It and then some magic shrooms.
Waiting to head to the airport…couldn't resist posting these.
Airport Round 2.
