Weather, Amsterdam

Favorite thing: The sky seems to hang just above the top of the Westerkirk as snow flakes dissolve in the canals, which form a fingerprint in the white landscape. Dogs streak across Vondel Park slewing up sprays of ice as they skid and bank around. Thick boots soon turn the flakes to sludge in Kalverstratt and the canal sides become ridges where the snow has been swept from doorways and steps.

Favorite thing: Yes, there certainly are more tourists in summer and for good reason, Amsterdam is wonderful in the summer. There might be more people but remember there is also more seating. The resturants and coffeeshops setup outdoor tables in front which provides more places to sit. There is nothing better than sitting outside at a table on a fine summer evening along a gazellig canal having a beer or a smoke. Or strolling along the canals on a summer evening, that just can't be beat, life doesn't get any better!

And Bonus Points, lots of daylight!! The high latitude of Amsterdam means darkness will not arrive till 10:30 pm or later, depending on cloud cover.

It seems the ONLY downfall to summer visits is the higher prices, especially on airfares - whew, they sure can get up there!

Fondest memory: There is something magical about a sunny day in the Dam, everyone has a smile on their face as people flock outside to bask in the golden rays from above.......

Summer in the city is fantastic! The fact that the sun goes down around 10:30 pm and then it starts to get light sometime just after 4:00 am in the morning is awesome. There is something very strange about leaving a night club after a night of drinking only to have it be light outside.

Favorite thing: If you don't like rainy weather try to visit Amsterdam in the summer. Even in the springtime the sun has trouble finding its way out from behind the clouds. This was the first vacation where I returned a shade lighter than when I left! The Queensday celebration is a party that I will always remember. The Dutch are very proud of their heritage and are also excellent hosts. There seems to be a bounty of positive energy here.

Fondest memory: On Queensday I wore a hat to keep my hair dry. However people from all over the world ended up writing messages on it. I still reread those messages and laugh out loud.
Also,I collect antique teacups and my search for a delicately painted Delft teacup took me through the charming neighborhood of Niewmarkt which is loaded with quaint little antique shops.

Favorite thing: If the weather is good have a nice slow walk through the Vondel park. Nearly all of Amsterdam will in there especially in the weekend. It's a great place to relax and check out the people.

Fondest memory: Two memories.
1-On sunny winter mornings or any sunny day biking over the canal bridges.
2-sitting in the sun on a terrace on by some canal enjoying a beer, chatting with friends. summers in general basically.

Favorite thing: At the Museum Square there was an artificial skate-ring. I believe this sport is almost the most popular in Holland. You could almost say that the
Dutch babies are born with skates on their little feet. From the moment that it is freezing for some days, they all go skating on the many frozen pools and brooks. When the ice is thick enough, they even have a very long skate contest, named the 11 stedentocht (the 11 cities tour). This tour is
held in Friesland, that is North Holland, and this tour is almost 200 km long. For the region this day is a real festivity, everybody is outside, music bands are playing along the circuit, this is almost as a national holiday, normal life really stops and everybody is around the ice. This is also a great event to follow on television.

Of these 11 stedentocht there are also versions by boat and by bicycle. I competed already three times in the 11-steden tour for bicycles (230 km), I finished twice and I had to stop the last time because of 5 flat tyres (after 177 km)

Favorite thing: Taking pictures in bad weather can be time-consuming and nerve-wrecking. Have a look at the picture of my friend. This is the third time I tried and failed.