The Netherlands is the most densely populated country in the world, and Amsterdam is its capital and most populous city. In addition there are the tourists. According to Wikipedia, “Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, receiving more than 4.63 million international visitors annually, this is excluding the 16 million day trippers visiting the city every year.” As you can imagine, there are people everywhere. As we sat having dinner and people watched, we concluded that this has to be the city with the tallest people. A Google search confirms our suspicions: the average height for all adults in the Netherlands is 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), making them the nation with the tallest citizens. I wonder how they navigate the almost perpendicular stairs.
We walked about 9 miles around the city. First we went to the Verzetsmuseum (the Resistance Museum), spending hours reading all the information and personal stories. After dinner, we strolled over to the Red Light District (RLD). On the way, the setting sun illuminated the architecture and canals (right). Once in the RLD, women clad in skimpy outfits (but nothing that could not be seen on Florida beaches) stood like mannequins or moved suggestively in large-paned window. The area smelled of hash, booze, and men. There were peep shows, strip bars, and adult toy shops. Surprisingly, the area was replete with bars and international eateries where men and women sat sipping a drink or eating dinner. There were tour groups with guides explaining the area sites. Since they spoke a language I did not understand, I could not tell what they were describing, but I am pretty sure it had nothing to do with the women, since people were looking at buildings and statues.
I went to Amsterdam, on my own, years ago. Loved every minute. When I wanted to see the RLD, I tagged along behind a couple so that I would feel safe. I loved that you can walk everywhere that is close and that you can hop on a train and get to further out destinations easily, quickly, and relatively inexpensively.
The Rijksmuseum was my favorite, but now that there is a dedicated Van Gogh museum it must have changed.
Yes, Susan, it is easy to get around Amsterdam and there are many museums to visit. This is a great city to explore.