I AMsterdam! :-)

"Amsterdam is angling to become Europe's creative capital, and it's doing so without even inhaling". (The New York Times)

So, I thought, why not visit this  famous city since I'm so close to it anyway? My first impressions? Amsterdam's appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage, diverse and creative culture, commercial dynamism and high quality of life. Ultimately, the city's strongest asset is its people: the people who live here, the people who work here, the people who study here, and the people who visit here.

First thing I've noticed about the Dutch people is that they are very open to other cultures. Of course, where better to notice that in the Nederlands than in Amsterdam? There you can find all the nationalities you want, and not only tourists. As it being such an open and internationally orientated country, almost everyone can make him- or herself understandable in English and/or another language, besides Dutch. That doesn’t mean that the residents won’t appreciate it when you, as a foreign traveler, try to speak Dutch. You’ll probably find though that people tend to rapidly switch to English, since they feel that to be easier and faster.

When meeting a Dutch person, it’s very common to shake hands or when you know someone better, to give that person three ‘’kisses’’ on the cheeks - as it also happens in Belgium :-)

The Netherlands, especially Amsterdam is also well known for it’s liberal attitude towards specific subjects, such as gay rights or marriage, euthanasia, soft drugs, freedom of speech, abortion etc. That doesn’t mean that locals can’t get extremely upset sometimes when it comes to ‘’drug tourism’’. Smoking a joint in public is not recommended and could give you a lot of angry faces. Locals in Amsterdam for instance love tourists, but can’t stand people who only go there to get stoned and/or drunk. As in all liberal societies, there are two sides of the medal. Yes, you are allowed to do and say a lot but you also have to get along and compromise and be diplomatic to keep the peace. It seems that from 2012 soft drugs will be prohibited for tourists.

Coming to that, whenever someone asks me how was the trip to Amsterdam, I always respond "Well, it was a happy trip!" ;-)) Once in a lifetime you can go crazy and try their special space cookies...I believe it is part of the Amsterdam spirit and you cannot go there just sight seeing and taking photos.

All in all, even if the trip was short I've come to taste a little bit of what The Nederlands means and especially Amsterdam and I must say it would be nice to return there during the summer (because it was coooold in November) and just rent a bike, wander through the streets and enjoy the spirit!