Who: Roberta and Mike McGowan
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Out and about: It’s winter here in Colorado cold and snowy Why not travel to the cloudy, misty European city of Amsterdam. Well, we agreed and headed off for a fabulous week in one of the art and cultural centers of Europe. Windmills and wooden shoes aside, we visited uncrowded spots : Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and the acoustically near-perfect classical music concert hall, the Concertgebouw. Yes, some vices are legal there, but they’re not mainstream. The colorful Dutch seafaring history, the legacy of art, exploration and discovery are. Plus, the citywide transportation is cheap, convenient, and user friendly.
Travel tip: Consider a side trip to the charming city of Harlaam, a short 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam. But bypass the half-day sightseeing bus trips to the countryside: too quick; too assemblyline-like, too touristy. Take more time to stop and smell the tulips.
