Brussels and Amsterdam

We traveled to Belgium to stop in Brussels and head off to Amsterdam. Brussels was just that a quick stop off. We arrived in the evening took a cab to our hotel and were up early in the morning and on the tram headed toward the City Centre and in search of the “Grand Place”. Walking through the older part of town it’s easy to notice the distinctive gilded Belgian architecture. When we arrived at the Grand Place which is said to be one of the most spectacular squares in Europe it was easy to see why. The square is huge although there was a Jazz festival setting up when we were there so it was hard to get the full effect. In any regard the surrounding buildings, churches and shops were very picturesque. We walked through the surrounding area sampling chocolate from the fountains and of course trying the waffles. From there it was up through the park and back to the Midi train station where we hopped our ride to Amsterdam.

The train ride to Amsterdam was fine and passed through Antwerp, Haag and Rotterdam (which seems very nice) and was highlighted by windmills which dotted the landscape in Holland. I always find it interesting to see what the first impression will be when emerging from the train stations in a new city. In Amsterdam it can be summed up in one word – bikes! Just as you leave the train station there is an enormous multi-level parking garage just bursting at the seams with bikes. Anyone who has been to Amsterdam will tell you that it’s a bike culture but as with many things on our travels, you have to see it to believe it. Bikes are by far the most common mode of transportation, as such they have there own lanes and traffic signals and you need to be sure you look both ways before crossing them.

Once through the crowds of Centraal Station we followed the Singel canal and walked to our hotel just on the edge of the City Center. The walk was about 40 minutes and allowed us to immediately get the feel of the city. If one is interested in an “Boulder-Style” urban scene this has to be the hippest around. The city is filled which shops, bars, and café’s that serve more than just coffee (marijuana is legal here but reportedly only for the locals). Street performers abound and everywhere you turn people are congregating and enjoying the ‘vibe’. As we explored the city over the next two days we found traditional shopping areas and chic boutiques catering to every style. From the Singel flower markets to the designer shops in Dam square Amsterdam seems to have something for every taste.

While we were there we hit all the typical tourist spots. We toured the canals by foot and by boat crossing this bridge and that and taking in the sights and architecture. We happened by a cool outdoor photography exhibit and continued our preference for outdoor café dining. We of course visited the Anne Frank house, while interesting it was a bit of a disappointment given its no longer furnished/set up in it’s original format. This combined with the throngs of people filling the tiny rooms made it difficult to imagine the environment. Still to see the bookcase which covered the entry to their hiding place and get a feeling for the compact accommodations gives a haunting feeling of what the Franks and their friend must have endured for two long years.

All and all Brussels and Amsterdam was a great visit even though we covered alot of ground in a few short days. I think this trip gave us a glimpse of what it is like to tour Europe by backpack moving quickly from place to place. That is ever changing but ever tiring as well. More Picts as always -- Brussels and Amsterdam.