Savoring the City: Amsterdam Edition Part 1

Travel

May 30

Amsterdam, oh how you surprised me! Our four-day sojourn in this charming city before heading to London was nothing short of delightful.

We were heading to London (and Oxford) to attend a wedding and decided Amsterdam would be a fun little destination to visit beforehan. We were so busy leading up to the trip, with our move to NYC, and with me relaunching my business, that we really didn’t plan much for our time there. This was a bit of a mistake as you will see in an upcoming post about the arts and culture there.

Our Stay at Pillows Maurits At The Park

We stayed at Maurits at the Park, a Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel. It was a dream. Not centrally located, but very convenient with light rails nearby. The hotel's charm and comfort made it a perfect retreat after our daily adventures. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, (especially the concierge!). From the moment we arrived, we felt a warm welcome that set the tone for our stay. The elegant decor and cozy atmosphere made it feel like a home away from home.

Each morning, we enjoyed a complimentary light breakfast at the hotel, which provided the perfect start to our busy days. The nearby light rail made exploring the city hassle-free, allowing us to easily visit various attractions and neighborhoods.

Biking Culture

When I imagined Amsterdam, I envisioned a utopia of bike paths and happy cyclists. Reality, however, painted a different picture. The bike culture here is impressive, but it comes at a price. Pedestrians often feel secondary to the swift, almost aggressive cyclists. As someone who believes pedestrians should always come first, this was a bit of a disappointment. Navigating the streets felt more like a cautious dance than a leisurely stroll, which put a slight damper on the idyllic image I had in mind.

The Red Light District

Our walk through the Red Light District was not what I expected. I anticipated fun and curiosity but was met with a strange sense of sadness. Hearing how some groups talked about the women there in passing, ignoring their boundaries and expecting services for basically free, was quite honestly rather disheartening.

The district is full of the complexities of humanity. It was also a reminder of the importance of maintaining respect for others, regardless of the context. It left me reflecting deeply on societal norms and the treatment of individuals within these spaces. I couldn’t wait for the next day to begin.

**The Red Light District**

The atmosphere is pretty electric as large crowds gather here at night.

Amsterdam's Canals and Architecture

One of the most enchanting aspects of Amsterdam is its picturesque canals and stunning architecture. Wandering along the canals, we were mesmerized by the charming houses with their unique gabled facades. Each building seemed to tell its own story, contributing to the city's rich historical tapestry.

We took a leisurely private canal cruise with our captain Matthew (arranged by our concierge), which provided a different perspective of the city. Gliding through the waterways, we passed under beautiful bridges and admired the blend of old and new architecture. The serene boat ride offered a peaceful escape from the bustling streets and allowed us to appreciate Amsterdam's beauty from a unique vantage point.

Amsterdam: A City of Contrasts

Amsterdam is a city of contrasts—where history meets modernity, and tranquility coexists with energy. Despite a few bumps (well, just the Red Light District disappointment), I absolutely loved Amsterdam. Its beauty, culture, and art left a lasting impression on me. I hope to return one day, with more advanced planning to fully appreciate everything this incredible city has to offer.

Stay tuned for my next post where I delve into the culinary delights we discovered in Amsterdam.