Amsterdam

There isn't enough I can say about this city. I am happy to be a temporary resident these past few days, and I will be very sad when I leave tomorrow.

Here are some reasons the Dutch are a really cool bunch:

• They LOVE to bike. Everyone bikes everywhere, even when it rains they're still biking, and why not? There are very clear and often grade separated bike lanes that can access more places than cars. There are even separate traffic lights for the bike lanes, soooo cute! Ironically, I have not gotten on a bike yet, as I've been perfectly happy using my limbs and other modes of public transit to get around.
• There's a casino near my hostel in the center of the city, and yes, it is near resiential areas. While they are a Protestant country, they are not as uptight as other WASP nations. Gotta love the liberal Dutch!
• They have a Hemp Musuem, with a whole shopping district dedicated to "coffee shops" and specialty stores. The flower market along the canal even sells "Grow Your Own Cannibis" kits. I would bring some home, except that I'm heading to Taipei towards the end of the trip and smuggling or using illegal substances like marijuana is punishable by death. Tis a bit harsh, but even if I were able to convince the authorities that it is just a plant, I still can't bring it into the U.S. Anyways, it wasn't like I was contemplating it or anything, I'm just saying...
• They all speak English, and they speak it really well. They don't give you a bad look if you can't speak Dutch, they can transition seamlessly to English. I've always thought it was a pity that Americans only know one language, but at least English is useful the world over.

Other random observations:

• The City is great at giving directions, there are signs that point you to ANY place worth going to, however, more than once I've had to look high and low for some indication of which street I'm on. I'm getting pretty good with the guessing, but even so, not very fun.
• Love the trams and metro system! The public transportation system is very easy to navigate, and the trams are especially efficient.
• Very low rates of obesity, eventhough stands selling fries are everywhere and they pile their hot chocolates high with thick, rich whipped cream. This is probably because everyone bikes and walks everywhere.