Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a town of many wonders.

I recently visited the capital of the Netherlands. I regret only one thing - not planning a longer visit.

Amsterdam has pretty much anything and everything you could ever imagine. It's a very modern city. So modern, that from the Centraal Station you can walk to at least five different McDonald's in less than five minutes. 

Now, most know Amsterdam as the gay capital of the world. As a party town with a great night life. These things may be true but as a common passerby, it's a vibrant city with a lot to offer.

You could spend hours in this city and easily get lost. If you visit, make sure you always have some form of a map. Eventually, I learned to follow the tram tracks that go on throughout the roads. They eventually lead back to the Centraal Train Station, which is close to where I was based.

The city of Amsterdam has so much to offer in and of itself. First, there's the biking. Everyone here travels on bikes. It might take a little getting used to. Just make sure you don't get in the way of a biker - you won't be treated kindly.

There are a pair of excellent museums here as well. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are in a class by themselves. And then, of course, there is the famous I AMsterdam sign (featured above). Now, you may be wondering how I got this picture with just me and the sign. Anyone who has visited here knows that's nearly impossible.

The key is to wake up early. I mean, I was only there at 7:30 a.m. and it was deserted. I certainly didn't expect that, so it was a pleasant surprise.

From Amsterdam, you can easily travel to some other great locations in Holland. For a taste of the old country and windmills, visit Zaanse Scans. For an eye opening world-famous tulip festival, visit Keukenhof.

As I said earlier. My only regret after deciding that I would be coming to Amsterdam was not planning a longer stay. I think you'll find the same to be true yourself, if you choose to visit.