Amsterdam: Sex, Drugs, and Bicycles

Way back in the beginning of June, Katharina and I went to Amsterdam for a weekend. I've been there twice before, but only for a combined total of 24 hours - so I was excited to finally get to really visit this city I'd only gotten a glimpse of. 

Of course Amsterdam has a bit of a reputation for sex and drugs - what, with the infamous red light district and well known "coffee shops." Of course, one thing you might notice before the sex and drugs if you ever visit Amsterdam is all the bicycles! Eventually all this led Katharina to proclaim Amsterdam the city of sex, drugs, and bicycles.

I'll touch on all 3 of those subjects. But not today. 

I wanted to start Amsterdam blogging by clarifying that that place is an amazingly beautiful city that has a lot more than just sex, drugs, and bicycles! Of course you should visit the red light district and/or a coffee shop if you want - they're definitely interesting bits of culture. But if you ever go to Amsterdam, make sure to get off the beaten path. Get out side the city center. Walk along the canals until you don't know where you are anymore. And that's where you'll find the most beautiful side of Amsterdam. And you'll understand why I think it's such an amazing city.