Amsterdam was nothing short of fantastic, beautiful, inspiring- pretty much all the positive words. It truly felt like all the people I met, or even just walked by, were happier than the rest of the world. It was simultaneously baffling and endearing and enchanting enough to make me want to move there for at least a few years. Despite Amsterdam's reputation for being a haven for drugs and prostitution, there was hardly anything distinctly noticeable or seedy. I even got lost for about an hour at night and even though I felt a tad unsafe, no one bothered me and I made it to the hostel unharmed. 

The cycling culture is unparalleled to any place I've visited both in the States and in Europe (although I'm going to Copenhagen in a few weeks and they're also supposed to have an extensive cycling network). The organization involved in their bike lanes and the ease with which people rode was intimidating and inspiring. I have also lost touch with the art of cycling and was definitely a noticeable tourist. A lot of the time people cycled with a person just sitting side saddle on the bike rack. Or there was the impressive parent/adult cycling with two children sitting in a front loading cargo basket and another child side saddle on the back bike rack. Now that is some serious cycling. 

Didn't think I'd make it to Amsterdam during my stay in the UK, but Amelie and I decided last minute to book a trip. So tomorrow, bright and early, we board a ten-hour bus trip to the Netherlands. Looking forward to cycling, boat rides, and the De Kattenkabinet (the Cat Cabinet Museum!). Pictures to come soon, I'm sure!