EUROTRIP - Ahmsturdaam

The sun decided to go on holiday for this portion of our journey. Which wouldn't have been so bad had the winds and rain not taken it's place - overeager bastards. Fortunately, the gloomy weather didn't detract from the beauty of the city. It's downright picturesque - even with the neon sex shop signs and the perpetual presence of THC fumes. 

Pro tip: if choosing an accommodation in Amsterdam, be sure to check the fine print to see if it's a Christian hostel. Otherwise, you might be in for a shock whilst checking in at your remarkably straight-edge establishment. 

Total miles walked/biked*: 32.5mi

*excluding to/from train station, around markets & parks etc. 

Food

Stroopwafel - there are a couple of varieties available. You can opt for the authentic route and get some freshly made by a street vendor (you'll know it's the right one because he looks like Benedict Cumberbatch if you squint your eyes a bit). 

Or go for my personal favorite: the Stroopwafel McFlurry. Trust me, it's divine. It's not on the menu but all Mcdonalds in the city should offer this ingenious treat. I can neither confirm nor deny that I went back later for seconds

Genever - another item on mine and Rachel's list of alcohol to try whilst abroad. It's like a slightly classier vodka. If served in a frozen glass, then you drink it without using your hands (full disclosure: if you do this you end up looking like one of these guys http://youtu.be/_0mcGDAs3f8. But hey, just chalk it up to an experience)

Indonesian food - apparently Indonesia was a former Dutch colony so there is now a plethora of venues in Amsterdam that serve this cuisine. Honestly, our group would have settled for an even flimsier reason to partake in this food

Space cake - local pastry sold at the coffeeshops. A delicacy enjoyed by many, but by no means a requirement in order to have a good time. It can actually be more fun to soberly peoplewatch those enjoying herbal enhancements as they stumble into the nearest kebab shop and order half the menu in a dazed stupor. 

Sights

Coffeeshops/Red Light District - speaking of space cakes, it's important to know the distinction between coffeeshops and cafes. If you don't keep the two straight, you'll be in for a rude surprise. As far as De Wallen goes, anyone who finds it alluringly glamorous probably also thinks Pretty Woman is a great romantic comedy. 

I Amsterdam sign - sometimes you've just got to suck it up and take the cliche tourist shot. 

Pro tip: unless you're really into swarms of strangers in your photo, it's helpful to know that there are two of these signs in the city. So if you'd like a little one on one action with those letters, it's worth doing some research to find out where the traveling one is located. 

Canals - sure it's just water under some bridges, but it's pretty water under some bridges (also, we stumbled upon their version of Pont Neuf)

Vondel-Park - really pretty park plus you get to see some tulips. Yay tulips!

Windmills - how can you go wrong embracing your inner Don Quixote? Tilt away my friends

Bikes - not so much a 'sight' than a mode of transportation, but it's all about the journey, right? Just a heads up that if you wander off the planned route you'll probably end up in the industrial centre/off-limits private property. But all in the name of adventure so it's cool. (Not sure if that security guard would agree though...)

Doeg Amsterdam! Keep it fresh.