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Polaroid of the Week: Serene Canal Stroll in Amsterdam

Polaroid of the Week: Serene Canal Stroll in AmsterdamI’ve launched my European train adventure, and the first rides were exceptional. My inaugural journey whisked me from Berlin to Amsterdam in under seven hours—a city I’ve explored multiple times, though my last visit was over a decade ago. With rave reviews of its beauty and my hazy memories, I spontaneously included it in my Euro train itinerary.

Amsterdam’s distinctive charm captivated me instantly upon arrival: its iconic canals, legions of bicycles, stunning 17th-century merchant houses with their signature hoists, renowned 420 coffee shops, and the irresistible aroma of fresh waffles in the air.

Meandering along the narrow streets beside the crisscrossing canals, I regretted not having more time but maximized every moment. I wandered aimlessly without a map or agenda, crossing dozens of the city’s 1,500 bridges, pausing by the water to soak in the lively scenes: a giggling older couple smoking weed nearby, lovers embracing on a bench across the canal, a man and his dog on a houseboat, trailed by a tourist barge, as cyclists sped past on the street behind.

Amsterdam’s unparalleled vibe—quaint brick facades juxtaposed with the notorious Red Light District’s bold displays—sets it apart from anywhere else I’ve traveled.

What draws me to Amsterdam is its perfect blend of livability and postcard-worthy allure. Skip the tourist hotspots; instead, immerse in the atmosphere, observe daily life, and venture beyond the famous canal maze.

Amsterdam, I’ll return soon—and it won’t take another decade.


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