As we were planning our travels, Greg and I thought a lot about what kind of trip we wanted to take. We could go the classic tourist route and try to see all the major sights and check off as many of the "Top Ten Things To Do In ____". We could try to be like locals and skip the famous sights for the hidden gems. We could also be less directed and just wander along, waiting to be surprised.
The amazing thing about our time in Amsterdam is that we got to do all three. Here's a glimpse of our favorite moments from each of the three ways we saw the city.
The Classic
We got to see some of the city's most famous sights with Joann's family, and there's not a lot we can add to what is said about Amsterdam's most famous sights and to dos. The canal cruise is lovely, relaxing and informative. The Van Gogh Museum is a real treasure (though surprisingly no mention of Starry Night!). Museumplein is gorgeous and perfect for people-watching. The Anne Frank museum is an enduring reminder of the power of even the smallest acts of good in the face of overwhelming hatred.
The amazing thing about our time in Amsterdam is that we got to do all three. Here's a glimpse of our favorite moments from each of the three ways we saw the city.
The Classic
We got to see some of the city's most famous sights with Joann's family, and there's not a lot we can add to what is said about Amsterdam's most famous sights and to dos. The canal cruise is lovely, relaxing and informative. The Van Gogh Museum is a real treasure (though surprisingly no mention of Starry Night!). Museumplein is gorgeous and perfect for people-watching. The Anne Frank museum is an enduring reminder of the power of even the smallest acts of good in the face of overwhelming hatred.
The Local
A friend from Chicago - one of the most fascinating people we know - moved to Amsterdam to work for a company that is growing the circular economy. He showed us around some places that we never could have found on our own, including NDSM (a neighborhood of innovative spaces), FabCity (a temporary exhibition showcasing leading innovators in sustainability) and Instock (a fascinating restaurant that rescues imperfect food to create marvelous three-course meals).
A friend from Chicago - one of the most fascinating people we know - moved to Amsterdam to work for a company that is growing the circular economy. He showed us around some places that we never could have found on our own, including NDSM (a neighborhood of innovative spaces), FabCity (a temporary exhibition showcasing leading innovators in sustainability) and Instock (a fascinating restaurant that rescues imperfect food to create marvelous three-course meals).
The Wanderer
With a few days on our own in the city, we spent a fair amount of time wandering around on our own, stopping at anything that looked interesting (or delicious). Vondelpark, though famous, wasn't on our list of things to see, but we happened upon it because it was close to our hotel, and it was Joann's favorite sight in the city. We also wandered into some totally delicious food along the way. Naturally, we sought out the chance to pet some cats.
With a few days on our own in the city, we spent a fair amount of time wandering around on our own, stopping at anything that looked interesting (or delicious). Vondelpark, though famous, wasn't on our list of things to see, but we happened upon it because it was close to our hotel, and it was Joann's favorite sight in the city. We also wandered into some totally delicious food along the way. Naturally, we sought out the chance to pet some cats.
We have now made it to Kenya, and we're heading on a safari tomorrow. We're excited to share more when we get back!
- JC & GK
- JC & GK
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