So What's Your Favorite City?

I get asked this question a hell of a lot. And I have to say, I'm not really sure of that answer. Every place has something new and different to offer. There are a few places that stand out, but most often, my mind wanders to Amsterdam. This is a city that feels so alive, so inspiring. Not only does Amsterdam have the beautiful canals, but it also has places like Vondelpark. It's a city that feels like it has so much going on that you cannot even wrap your mind around it. Not to mention the slanted houses in the old part of town and the pulley systems to get furniture into the houses. Just going around on the streets keeps you on your toes. There are cars, bikes, trams, and walking paths. I spent the first few days on foot, but I met up with a wonderful native, named Shayne. She is nothing short of amazing. I crashed at her pad and rode around on the back rack of her bike everywhere. We went to cool things like The World Press Photo Exhibit. I went to insane museums by day and roamed the streets at night. I thought to myself.. now here is a city that lives and breaths. Never in my life have I had so much art and culture thrown at me; so much history. Matisse to Malevich at the Hermitage, The Van Gogh Museum (where Shayne works), checking out Rembrandt and more at Rijksmuseum, and of course The Anne Frank Huis. I tried to explore as much as I could while I was there for a week, but there is just so much going on. What I wouldn't give for a place on one of the canals. I have a feeling that too many tourists get trapped into the red light district and never fully experience all it has to offer, and that, is a shame.

 

T

xx