Amsterdam: More Than Red Lights
Amsterdam carries a certain stigma. Words matching that stigma? Lascivious, turpitude, corruption, sinful, lecherous. We all know where these words come from. It's a city made famous for the legalization of prostitution and soft drugs. As a result, the city is often swarmed with degenerate tourists seeking a thrill--more so than, say, Paris or Seattle.
However, I feel it should be stated that Amsterdam does not entirely deserve its sinful label. Sure, you reap what you sow; but, the city has many other qualities that completely overshadow its immoral reputation (not to say I entirely disagree with their system, as it has proven to drastically reduce crime and raise capital). Of all capital cities I've visited, it is by far the quaintest, and it truly captures the essence of yesteryear.
The expansive influence the Dutch have had is blatantly obvious in the architecture. Strolling the side streets and outskirts of this charming city, one gets the feeling they're in Brooklyn. New York was, after all, known as New Amsterdam. You might also notice that the Dutch are highly educated and cultured. Men are debonair, while women are stylishly disengaged. They compose themselves with confidence--dressing well, speaking with sparkling smiles, and having the appearance that they know exactly what they like. Here you will find Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Anne Frank, and most importantly, you'll likely find yourself.
Amsterdam is international, historically significant, and entertaining for any traveler. It offers to the visitor myriad opportunities to engage the mind and excite the imagination. Everything about the city--the canals, the bikes, the skinny buildings, elfin bars, its aging charm--contribute to create a delightful locale that will surely hold your attention. If you desire the trendy, artistic, and intelligent, you'll undoubtedly find it all in this canal-locked city, drowning in savoir vivre.
The oft-dreary weather in The Netherlands is very befitting of the scenery. 
Street art for the pleasure of the passer-by. 
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