We woke up in Amsterdam at the NH Schiphol Hotel. The breakfast that was made available to the COSMOS tour group was absolutely wonderful! Both hot and cold foods were available with juices and special coffee drinks. This morning, we had a wake-up call at 7:00am, and had to have our bags outside of our door at 7:45, check out of our room, and head to breakfast.
According to the paper that Attila handed out from COSMOS, each family is to check out of their own room and pay for any extra charges incurred (pay-TV, mini bar, etc), we had no extra charges. Like I mentioned, breakfast was very satisfying, though not enough time was given between breakfast, which began at 7:45, and getting on the bus at 8:25.
Everyone was on the bus by 8:25, and we were off to begin our tour of Amsterdam. The bus dropped us off for a canal cruise. Multiple canals run through Amsterdam, and COSMOS sent us on a tour right through them! I had no idea there was so much water running through Amsterdam, it was magnificent! The canals twist and turn through the city, and house boats are scattered along the sides.
The tour guide, on the canal cruise, was a local tour guide who knew the area well. She pointed every spot of interest, including the oldest home in Amsterdam, the smallest house in Amsterdam, historic churches, the home of Ann Frank during the Nazi occupation, and a number of other buildings of interest. The canal cruise took us directly to the Gassan Diamond Factory, where we were given a special tour of the factory, and a presentation of diamonds. We were presented with the opportunity to purchase jewelry at a discounted price. After the tour, free coffee was offered before we loaded back on our coach to continue our Amsterdam tour.
After being dropped off downtown Amsterdam, and told we had two hours to explore the city, we took off down the main street. Amsterdam is a very liberal town and the streets are lined with tourist shops, restaurants and cafes. Soft drugs are tolerated in Amsterdam, with that said, the smell of marijuana fills the streets. There are 2 types of coffee shops in the city. When a coffee shop is a “Koffee Shop”, spelled with a “k”, they serve just coffee. “Coffee Shop” spelled with a “c” indicates that shop sells cannabis as well. In addition, the tourist shops are all filled with marijuana paraphernalia. Over the main downtown bridge, the “Red Light District” can be found. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam…if you choose to visit this area do not take pictures!! It is said that if you attempt to take a picture, you and your camera may end up in the river!
As per my Dad’s advice, we all stopped for Shoarmas for lunch. These delicious treats are similar to gyros, though come from Israel, and are wrapped in a flat bread. The Shoarmas were delicious and we highly recommend the Kabab House.
Amsterdam, with its many tourist shops, offers a variety of great souvenirs. Many souvenir shops, across Europe, carry many similar items. There are souvenirs in the Amsterdam area however (and the entirety of the Netherlands I am sure), that offer items unique to the country. These souvenirs include the classic wooden shoes and beautiful glass work done in all blue and white. In buying either of these items, you have bought a truly unique piece of the Netherlands.
Overall, Amsterdam is a city with a vibrant history and beautiful canals which run under equally beautiful bridges. Once downtown however, Amsterdam becomes a much different scene. For tourists who want to enjoy the history and innate beauty of this historic town, I recommend engaging in activities that stay outside of the downtown area. On the other hand, for tourists who want all of what Amsterdam has to offer, take time to enjoy the entire city.
To be continued….
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