Dear Amsterdam, 

Canals and cannabis. Your true claims to fame. But your amazing qualities do not stop with those two. What many people don’t know is the amazing history and culture of the so-called “Venice of the North”. 

When I visited you, it was just for a weekend trip, but now I am positive that I will be returning. From the second I stepped onto my Airbnb on a sailboat, I knew that Amsterdam was something special. We spent our days in downtown Amsterdam, exploring the picturesque streets and canals. In addition to the beautiful culture and scenes in Amsterdam, we spent our fair share of time in coffeeshops filled with tourists and locals sharing good times. The munchies were inevitable. Luckily you had amazing food all over; my personal favorite was stroop waffles, which I made sure to bring home so I could continue enjoying them. We also tried traditional Dutch pancakes, which are very similar to crepes, and very delicious. Because we were all coming from very different cities, the Red-Light District was something that intrigued us a lot, so we decided to visit the Museum of Prostitution, which was interesting and informative. I learned to appreciate the culture a lot more after learning about the people and the traditions of the city. 

What I expected was what I had heard: weed and windows full of sex-workers. What I experienced was something much more: a beautiful city with happy people. Restaurants and streets full of live music, small stores full of amazing cheese and desserts, and canal fences lined with bicycles. 

It is obvious why you are number one on almost everybody’s bucket list. You are one of the most lovable cities I have ever been to, a bold statement since I was only there for three days, but I know it is true. 

Thank you for allowing me to experience you as fully as possible given the short period of time I was there. Thank you for creating a place where everybody is welcoming and happy. Thank you for giving me a chance to live life on a boat for a weekend. 

Adieu Amsterdam.