I AMsterdam

Amsterdam may have a relatively controversial reputation and taboo connotation for those of us who live in America, but I have to say that after visiting for a weekend, it is so much more than that.  It is probably my favorite place I've been on this journey so far (with the obvious exception of Prague which has a different, yet larger place in my heart).  The maze of canals, massive parks filled with changing leaves, ponds, and trails, and the main mode of transportation, the bicycle, made me fall in love with the city.  Not to mention that the national food of the Netherlands is the french fry...duh!  I walked (and biked) the city so thoroughly that my socks were poking out the soles of my boots.  While not wandering the cobbled streets, I visited the Van Gogh museum, Vandel Park, the famous I AMsterdam sign, the Heineken experience, and stood outside of the Anne Frank House.  We also boarded a small ship and sailed through the canals, a great way to see the city and to get out onto a larger body of water.  We stayed right in the heart of the city on the edge of the Red Light District (don't worry, it wasn't too intense) and were able to get to all of the attractions easily.  On our final day we rented bikes and rode around as much as we could.  I haven't used a bike with foot brakes since I was a little girl, so getting used to the bike and the crazy traffic and bells took a little while.  Even during the first week in November, Christmas season was in full swing in Amsterdam with lights hanging above every street.  I was not ready to leave the city and will definitely be returning to this wonderful place.