Amsterdam - Day One... Walking, Shopping and Eating

Julie and I headed off to Amsterdam for a two day excursion out on our own. We had a great time while we were there, but I think we both realized that there's SO much more to Amsterdam than just Coffee Shops and the Red Light district. And after a day and half in town we had barely even scratched the surfice.

Our first day found us traveling by train all the way from the suburb of Zoetermeer to Amsterdam. I like traveling by train as it gives us a chance to see much of the countryside. Overall, the total travel time was just shy of two hours (there was one transfer at Den Haag Centraal that added about 20 minutes).

There's way too much to tell about our trip... besides, it would probably bore everyone to death. Instead I'll give a few highlights of day one.

We stayed at a great old classic hotel called the Park Plaza Victoria, which was definitely 4 stars all the way. Not too mention its in the heart of Amsterdam Centrum! Which means that it's within a few blocks of many of the main tourist attractions.

Walking. We did a great deal of walking around when we first arrived. We went to Dam Square, the famed Flower Market and then we went up and down several of the "shopping" streets they have as well.

Red Light District is pretty interesting to say the least. Sex, drugs and rock & roll...quite literally. We walked around for about an hour or so trying to experience it, without having to actually "experience" it. The best line of the night as we were walking past the mostly naked women standing in the doorways... "I feel sorry for their mom's and dad's". So, no. We didn't partake in any drugs at a coffeeshop (the contact high was enough).

Indonesian Rijsttafel or Rice-Table. We treated ourselves to a fantastic Indonesian dinner at a great restaurant called Sarang Mas located just past Dam Square on Damrak Street. Basically, Indonesian food rocks and is flavorful and delicious. But, when you experience it as a rijsttafel it borders on heavenly. Imagine your own personal buffet of great food.