Amsterdam, its beauty and charm

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I knew before arriving into Amsterdam I would enjoy this city, but I didn't know or realize until I left how I would miss Amsterdam and the Dutch way of life.  Immediately I fell in love with its narrow brick streets and old buildings nestled along miles and miles (or should I say kilometers) of canals. Bicycles, bicycles everywhere! Chained to posts, bridges, other bicycles with hundreds outside of the train station.  A Dutch gentleman told me that most people own two or three bicycles and rotate them between work, home, and the train station.

While fighting off jet lag, I walked to Vondel Park and sat on a bench to observe the park on a Sunday afternoon.  Families and dogs (off leash and very well behaved) strolled through this beautiful space.  Bicyclists of all ages pedalled through the park.  I couldn't stop smiling at a girl who must have been no older than five quickly pedalling in her black pea coat and trendy boots to keep up with her family.

I did the normal tourist things but what I enjoyed most was blending into this city. Riding the tram to the conference, carefully crossing the streets and making sure to watch for bicyclists, scooters, trams, and lastlty cars.  I have never been what I would call an "Artsy Person." I have enjoyed art pieces from time to time but I was speechless after visiting the Van Gogh museum with a friend at the conference.  His work, his troubled life, the details and feelings the paintings gave me after viewing them was incredible.

I took a train ride to a city about 45 minutes outside of Amsterdam called Delft to visit Brett, an American friend from San Diego, who was living in the Netherlands and working for almost three months. (He would be joining me in Ireland) While waiting for him to arrive, I confidently walked into this neighborhood bar and ordered a "beerchay".  The Doors came on the radio, and with a quick acknowledgement to the gentleman next me, we began sharing our music likes, dislikes. Another person came over to discuss when he lived in Texas with his wife. Suddenly we were all laughing and enjoying this cold November evening.

I stayed a total of seven days in the Netherlands and really got to experience Amsterdam and its charm. Before my plane left for Dublin I had a few moments to myself in the airport to reflect on my experience.  Tears filled my eyes and I couldn't help but let these tears of joy pour out for the remarkable week I had lived.