Walking, Amsterdam

Favorite thing: De Pijp (the Pipe) is a very different and attractive neighbourhood in central Amsterdam. Located just southeast of the inner city and can be reached by tram 4 or 25 (stop Ceintuurbaan), near to where the walk starts.

Fondest memory: Because I was staying in De Pijp, I sort of missed out on the first part of the walk and started on Diamantstraat (see map).

Favorite thing: The best way to learn the city is to walk everywhere. I had a little fear on learning my way by getting on a tram and not being able to get off where I saw I needed to go. That, however weird it sounds, forced me to walk. It took a couple of days, but once you tune in the internal compass you'll have no problem getting to where you need to go. There are helpful "you are here" maps all around. The key trick is to orientate yourself from where you are to where you need to go. Remember the streets run on the canal system that is in a horseshoe configuration, Central Station being at the top if looking from overhead. On this you can't just walk a few extra blocks one way and think you have a short cut. You'll wind up lost. Streets are not on a rectangular system that some might be use too. The street signs are on the corner of the buildings not on poles on the corners. If conscious of looking like a lost tourist just use a restroom somewhere and pull out your handy map out of sight of others.

Fondest memory: I can't really say there is anything I miss more than the uniqueness of the city. I love the energy of the people and difference in the culture. Amsterdam is one of a kind city. The canals and leaning buildings with such awesome architecture. Dodging and negotiating the bicycle traffic is a learning experience. I loved it there and was there during November. I can't wait to visit in spring or summer when it is nice and can ride a bike around in shorts checking out windmills in the countryside.

Favorite thing: bring GPS
maps--- the canals the street names *way confusing*
but..ware the thing around your neck...dont want pricy thing like that swiped!

Fondest memory: i like a agentinian steak resturant just outside of the red light district close to the train station

Favorite thing: Walking around Amsterdam, and hearing how old much of the city is, is a great experience. Alot of the homes have been lived in for hundreds of years. The canal that runs through it is a great photo op.

Favorite thing: After leaving Tara's pub we walked to the 'Waterlooplein', a flee market. It s always fun to visit a flee market because you never what you might find. Amsterdam is well known for it s Albert Cuyp but this market was ok as well.
From left to right: Mirella, Roelien, SandravdP, Capricorn and Peter.

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Favorite thing: I recommend you explore Amsterdam by foot.
Any trip along the canals will you take along interesting places. Don't forget the alleys and the connecting streets between the canals; a lot of hidden shops and small businesses can be found just there.

Fondest memory: My favorites: Brouwersgracht, Noordermarkt, Elandsgracht, The nine little streets and the Kerkstraat.

Favorite thing: I also noticed many recycling bins throughout the city for paper and glass. What a fantastic idea. Why don't more cities do this? I also wonder if people actually use them for glass and paper rather than just garbage......

Favorite thing: One of my most favorite things about Amsterdam is:

the pace, lifestyle, and feeling of the old city (away from busy center) along the canals on a warm, sunny day in the fall.

Fondest memory: Walking, and even better, bicycling the city and countryside both day and at night, especially during the still-warm fall weather.

A'Dam faves:
- The local people I met in Amsterdam. Puccinis. Bicycles. Indonesian and Dutch food. The peace of the sunset from a terrace. The chimes from Westerkerk Toren.

Meeting, listening to and learning from all different cultures of people on the streets, in the cafes, restaurants, museums, bars, and coffee shops.
Water; canals, art, architecture.

To me, Amsterdam at first felt like a city of harmony, but the more I return I am finding beneath the surface that is not necessarily the case.

No matter, I will not let prejudice and hatred spoil Amsterdam or the Netherlands for me.