Amsterdam—a place in Europe known for its canals, bikes, and open-minded spirit, but also a city that quietly invites you to pause and reflect on your life.
1. Beyond Amsterdam’s Stereotypes
2. Hooked on the City’s Charm
3. Traveling with Your Bestie
4. Finding Your People by Being Yourself
5. Reflections on Life Through Travel
6. Not a Guide, but a Tulip Tip
1. Beyond Amsterdam’s Stereotypes
Amsterdam – the city famous for its Red Light District, tulip fields, and the unmistakable aroma of weed. Sure, those are some of the things Amsterdam is known for, but to my surprise, they weren’t the most memorable or impressive parts of my trip.
Of course, how much you connect with a place depends on what kind of traveler you are and your budget, but for me, Amsterdam was all about great coffee, beautiful canals, the (optional) smell of weed, an active lifestyle, endless parks and greenery, Heineken, waffles, fries, super chatty Uber drivers, and an overall sense of calm and positivity. This city has a vibe, and it’s pretty special.
2. Hooked on the City’s Charm
There I was – Amsterdam. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t been before, especially since it’s so close to home.
But I guess I’ve always been the “further away, the better” type of traveler. Some of my favorite trips have been to Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and Peru. But the moment I stepped into Amsterdam, it had me hooked.
The charming British-style brick houses, bikes everywhere, runners along the canals, lush green spaces, and the food – it all hit me at once. It wasn’t just about being on vacation; there was something deeper, something about the city itself that made me feel so at peace, so relaxed.
3. Traveling with Your Bestie
You know the saying, “It’s not about where you are but who you’re with”?
Well, this trip was special because it was the first official international trip with my bestie. We’ve known each other for about a year and a half and basically spend every day together, but this was our first time traveling abroad as a duo. It made the trip even more memorable. We laughed so much, appreciated every little moment, and truly made the most out of everything. It was one of those trips that reminded me how small, shared moments can shape your life in the most beautiful way.
You know what’s truly amazing? Having someone who’s always on the same wavelength as you.
I mean, who wouldn’t love stopping at a cute café, grabbing a snack, or enjoying a picnic in the park? But what’s even better is when you can just look at each other and know exactly what the other person wants, without even saying a word. That kind of connection? It’s pretty special to me.
4. Finding Your People by Being Yourself
So, what did we do besides wandering around Amsterdam? We talked a lot, we got completely exhausted, and we spent a good chunk of time in our hotel room, indulging in cheeses, grapes, and mimosas. And honestly? It was perfect.
I know that as we get older, it can feel harder to find and truly connect with people. But trust me, your people are out there. They just need to know you exist. And the only way that happens is by showing up as your true self. If you’re hiding or pretending to be someone else, they’ll never find you.
You are amazing, and you are enough – just as you are. Life is too short and too special to spend it pretending or holding back. So, embrace who you are, enjoy the little moments, and stay open to the world. The right people will find their way into your life when you do.
5. Reflections on Life Through Travel
Traveling always makes me reflect on life; it just happens naturally when I’m away. It feels like the perfect time to reconnect with myself and my emotions. At the same time, it’s a reminder – don’t wait for vacations to feel this way. Try to find joy and presence in everyday life, no matter what’s going on. That’s something I want to hold onto.
6. Not a Guide, but a Tip
This post isn’t a guide to Amsterdam or a list of recommendations – though I will say, April is a great time to go if you want to see the tulips in Keukenhof. It’s beautiful, but that’s just my opinion.
The highlight of my trip? A canal cruise. For me, there’s always something magical about being on the water – whether it’s an ocean, a river, or, in this case, Amsterdam’s canals. Picture this: a sunny day, gliding down the canals with a cocktail in hand, my bestie by my side. That’s the dream right there. If you’re planning a trip, I do have one recommendation: check out the canal cruises by Friendship Amsterdam. It was so much fun and truly unforgettable.
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