The Airbnb host offers a special river tour that includes wine, olives and some other snacks. His fee was very reasonable and it was nice to have a private tour. We cruised on the Vecht River. Docked by an old historic Dutch pub, the first on the river, and sampled 'bitterbal" a sort of Dutch croquette that was delicious and we also tried a traditional special Dutch liquor called Jenever. We saw drawbridges, windmills and Muiden Castle. An interesting and entertaining afternoon.
As I usually like to do when in a new city, took a walking tour in Amsterdam, visited the famous Red Light District (empty windows), through China Town and other historic sites. I'm sure I learned a lot and have not retained it.
One thing I will always remember is the bicycles. There are thousands of bicycles, they really move fast so you need to watch where you are walking and be careful.
Did lots and lots of walking, which is typical in Europe. We did not do any famous or typical tourist museums on this visit. We went to the EYE Film Institute that archives Dutch and European films. Lots of hands on features and it was a good few hours. Went to a cheese/wine tasting class where we had a rating sheet for the various cheeses. Tasty and informative. My favorite cheese that I've tasted so far is Dutch cheese, a Gouda with cumin in it.
Had some nice bread as is typical for Europe. Visited a coffeeshop and had a brownie to go. Had homemade dinner on the boat and had some laughs. Tried something that looked interesting and it was one of the worst things I have ever tasted, but I'm not sure it was the taste as much as it was the texture. There was nothing to chew. It was awful. Could not eat it. We had to throw it away. (Ossenworst is a traditional smoked sausage originating from Amsterdam. In the past, it was always made from ox meat (hence the name), but nowadays it is usually made with raw beef and Dutch East Indies spices such as pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and mace.) I haven't found many things I couldn't eat but this was a probably in the top five.
I do know most everyone who travels wants to visit Amsterdam and now I know why. I found the people be be so kind and gracious dealing with tourists. If someone even saw me looking at a map or looking confused they would approach and offer assistance. It would be so easy to become jaded and tired of visitors. I think the people are the most helpful and friendly people I've personally met in Europe.
It was a short visit, but I'd always wanted to see this city. The first day downtown was nice and mellow, but on day two the city was so packed it was almost impossible to walk on the sidewalk and several times I had to move over to the street -- bikes, thousands of people. So that day was not good. If I went back I might try autumn instead of early summer. I just don't like big crowds that much anymore, lines and tourist hordes. I did enjoy it, but probably would prefer going outside the city and exploring.
Flushing marine toilets is a lot of work.
You don't want to sink the boat.
