Summer '11: Amsterdam, Netherlands

My usual frame of mind when I travel is "Spending money to go all the way here, so will jam pack my days with every possible thing to do". You will most definitely see this true of many of the trips I've blogged about in the past. 

Amsterdam leg was initially planned to roll out in the same manner, day trip to other towns in the Netherlands as well as trip to the nearby towns in Belgium. But the few days hubbed in Amsterdam played out a little differently than planned. Blame it on Amsterdam's super relaxed vibe, beautiful surroundings and fabulous weather that particular weekend? Or possibly easy-going hosts (with cozy home and yummy home cooked food) combined with our bodies needing to recharge from a week of running around Italy and France? Maybe. But at the end of the day, it was EXACTLY what we needed for our vacation - an honest to goodness BREAK. 

My first time as well in the Netherlands and I totally fell in love with it. 

• Albert Cuypt Market
• Lots of wandering around Amsterdam and easy-going days 
• Merienda with an old classmate (whom I haven't seen in 11 years!)
• Van Gogh Museum
• Vondelpark
• Anne Frank Museum
• Dinner at Bistro Bij ons & awesome Citron Tarte & chihi at Palazzo Plazo
• Watching Gay Pride Parade with awesome all veggie dinner!
• More walking about Amsterdam (Red Light District, Jordaan, etc)