Amsterdamian

I was in Amsterdam last Friday for a meeting and decided to spend the extra couple of days over the weekend enjoying the sites of Amsterdam. We stayed in the Amstel Botel, a boat-hotel on the Amstel river (go figure). The accomodation was OK but the location couldn't have been better. We did wandered around the Red Light District a bit and I realized that this part of town wasn't really for me. Yes, the sex shops and prostitutes in their red boxes are novelty, at first, but after that it just seems a bit trashy. We spent the rest of the time getting lost along the canals and seeing the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Van Gogh may be the best museum I have ever been in. I was simply in awe of his work and the collection they had amassed. It was impressive. The Ann Frank House was powerful in its own right. It was the first time I could really see and touch a piece of history. I was very moved by the whole experience. I should mention the coffee shops, simply to do the whole city justice. Yes, we had our own little adventure in one of the infamous coffee shops. It was an experience that I would chalk up as novelty again. I more enjoyed sitting on the canals enjoying a fine Dutch beer.

I guess I can say "been there, done that" on Amsterdam. I don't see myself running for the canals again anytime soon.

This weekend was spent in London (oops, almost wrote Denver there). I got a haircut and spent the weekend just lounging around. Definitely necessary after the last couple of stressful and hectic days!