tourists walking out in front of me. It was amazing how much I experienced in such a short time. I had no planned route; it was fun to get lost in the city with its maze of streets (straats) and canals (grachts). Of course, those maps in my pocket were helpful in finding my way back to my hotel. In the first few hours, I rode through Amsterdam’s finest sections including the Jordaan District which could be referred to as the heart of the city. Then I rode past the Anne Frank House where I had a tour scheduled the following day. Next I passed the house of Rembrandt and then by the awesome architecture of the Rijksmuseum. Finding my way back, I wandered through China Town and then the Red Light District before meeting friends for dinner.
Overcoming the intimidation of biking in this popular city In just a few hours riding my bike around Amsterdam my confidence was high ... and so was my thirst. Meeting friends for beer, several who just arrived in town for the bike/ barge cruise, there was some envy as I pulled up on my rental bike. Several asked, as I walked in with my helmet still on, “where have you been?” I replied with an accomplished grin, “I’ve biked all over town!” as I shared my first day’s adventures in Amsterdam riding a bike.
A full day to explore Amsterdam With a loose itinerary, only the Anne Frank Tour scheduled mid-afternoon and dinner plans in the evening, I was off. First, I found myself at Amsterdam’s bustling flower market, where crowds come to buy or just admire a wide array of flowers. After enjoying a cup of coffee and the fragrance of the market,
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