Amsterdam is all you already know about it, plus some. So needless to say, we needed to be extra careful as we were traveling with our kids. As in almost any European city the architecture is amazing even in the boring placed such as the train station.
The main method of transportation there is bicycles and trams. The pedestrians should be constantly aware of not walking in the bicycle lanes.
Also, we had to be very diligent about not walking in red light district. Prostitution, as well as pot smoking is legal, and the sights are unavoidable.
On a positive note there are many other attractions that deserve more attention. We have visited Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank museum. Due to "NO CAMERAS" we don't have any cool pictures from those places. Carolyn recognized the Starry Night by Van Gogh, so it is neat. The Anne Frank museum was a little too much for our kids (they recommend for kids to be at least 10 years old). I have found this museum to be very touching, I left with heavy heart.
We needed to "take turns" with our kids, so for their entertainment we have visited the science museum NEMO. It is full of many interactive things for kids and adults.
The main method of transportation there is bicycles and trams. The pedestrians should be constantly aware of not walking in the bicycle lanes.
Also, we had to be very diligent about not walking in red light district. Prostitution, as well as pot smoking is legal, and the sights are unavoidable.
On a positive note there are many other attractions that deserve more attention. We have visited Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank museum. Due to "NO CAMERAS" we don't have any cool pictures from those places. Carolyn recognized the Starry Night by Van Gogh, so it is neat. The Anne Frank museum was a little too much for our kids (they recommend for kids to be at least 10 years old). I have found this museum to be very touching, I left with heavy heart.
We needed to "take turns" with our kids, so for their entertainment we have visited the science museum NEMO. It is full of many interactive things for kids and adults.
The following day we visited Artis Zoo, which is considered to be the oldest zoo in Europe. We read many different comments about the zoo as some people found it too dirty, and here is why. There are many animals who are not caged, especially birds. Yes, the lion was behind the gate, but many tame animals were much more accessible for cool pictures. These monkeys were absolutely our favorites.
We also took a boat tour to learn more about the city and its history. Unlike many other other major European cities, Amsterdam does not have any major cathedrals, or old walls. Its main attraction are the canals, house boats and buildings along the the canals. There are over 150 canals, about 1200 bridges and 2500 house boats. As we were on our boat tour we were able to see inside some of the house boats. As with "normal" houses, some people take great are of their homes and others not so much.
All in all the trip was great. I picked up some tulip bulbs from the flower market, left the clogs hanging (maybe next time ;-0). The old windmills are not part of the major city, but we did catch a view of one.
Well, it all looks amazing! I did have a questions, with pot legal in Amsterdam, is it legal to bring it back? Now I know why Brent wants to come visit so bad, it's the ganja... anyway, the whole place looks amazing. Not much changing here, same old stuff, a lot of nothing new and kids getting older. I also now have gray in my beard according to Ella. I hope the family is appreciating the experience, sounds like Anya is enjoying the adventure as well. I also think it is good that you both get some time alone as a family together. talk to you soon, makes me want to have a hood blog....
ReplyDeleteI am sure that it is not legal to bring the pot back. With all that legalization issue though, who knows.
DeleteI enjoyed the photo-tour. Sounds like a good trip, all in all. I'm very intrigued by the whole house boat concept.
ReplyDelete