Amsterdam, Netherlands - The Perfect City to “Wander.”

It may sound simple but one of Lindsay and I’s favorite thing to do when traveling is just wander. We have found that simply walking, ideally getting a little lost :), is one of the best ways to experience a city. Easily one of our favorite cities to do this in is Amsterdam (A-Dam). This magnificent city has some of the prettiest architecture and urban design of any place on earth. There are hundreds of canals that wind through the entire city and each is lined on both sides by colorful dutch homes, trees, churches, little shops, etc, etc. In addition, there are numerous bridges that cris-cross across the canals making the entire area simply gorgeous. To top it all off the local population cruises around on bikes so the sound of little bells and spinning gears is always in the air. Lindsay and I have been lucky enough to enjoy this city twice. Once during a long layover on the way back from India and the second time during our 2009 European trip. During both of these occasions we did more wandering than anything else. The first time we were there we arrived early on a Saturday morning. Instead of seeing a sea of tourists we were mostly surrounded by locals (always on their bikes) heading to the local bakery, etc. We found one particular bakery, got ourselves some goodies and simply wandered and ate. Other wandering experiences include stumbling on the flower market, exploring the beautiful neighborhoods around the Ann Frank house and Walking the main shopping street “Kalverstraat.” We have experienced this city in the sun, rain, warmth and cold and have loved every minute of it. There are a handful of places in this world where we could really settle down for a long time…A-Dam is easily on this list. The next time you find yourself in Amsterdam (even if it is a short layover) take time to simply wander her beautiful streets. It is an experience you will never forget.