We got up and around after a relaxing night. It was really good to not be in airplanes and rushing around airports.

We did a little walking around then went to the Köln Hauptbanhof – the main train station that is right outside the cathedral. We got something for breakfast inside the station and found our train platform for the train to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, which was our next destination.

It was a nice ride on the train. We had 1st Class Eurail passes (got a screaming deal on them) so comfy seats on our entire trip (well, mostly).

We left mid-morning, got to Amsterdam around noon and went straight to our hotel. I have stayed at this hotel before. It has a great location right in the center of the action and a short walk to and from Amsterdam Centraal Station. We got checked in and were able to leave our bags at the hotel until our room was ready; that is a very handy option so we didn’t have to carry our backpacks or pay for a baggage drop.

Amsterdam is a great city but it is even more crowded than it was 5 years ago. We got here on a Saturday, so it WILL be busy, but even weekdays it has gotten crazy. It is why there is now a tourist tax for each person per hotel night and ours was about $30 for two nights.

On top of the crowds, there are other changes. I love to just walk around the cities and explore, walking for hours and miles and Amsterdam is one of those cities that it’s so easy to walk around. We walked around and I started to notice that it seemed every block had the same places – restaurants, smart shops, souvenir stands, coffee shops…it was very repetitive and I do not recall it being like that before.

But, this was Saturday so let’s party! I got the necessary supplies to achieve a proper state of mind and off we went to explore. It was so nice to be back and get reacquainted with this city! I know the city pretty well and can get around on my own without my phone’s help so it didn’t take me long. I have this uncanny knack for remembering places and directions, and I can remember directions, things and places I have not been to for years.

My first trip here was late Jan./early Feb. 2018 and again in Feb. 2020. There was a huge difference in the weather each time though the trips were only separated by a few weeks. It is price vs. crowds so you have to find a sweet spot for a time of year that suits you. However, this was absolutely the most crowded I have seen Amsterdam.

I do love this city and all of its true freedoms – legal prostitution and “smart shops” legally selling magic truffles (basically magic mushroom rootwads). Cannabis flower and edibles, though not technically legal, can be found in coffeeshops and other shops along with seeds to grow your own. If you want to do something, you do it; if not you don’t, but you don’t tell others they can’t just because you don’t want to. Now THAT’S freedom.

That said, I am not here for the vices. Well…okay…maybe a couple that aren’t involving prostitutes. I love the vibe and the history here and its relaxed atmosphere. It is a beautiful city with some great food from all over the world. It was a powerful city in history, and when you travel you should always learn about the places you go.

We stopped at an Irish pub for some beverages and a snack just to relax a bit but it was packed. We then left and had dinner at a Thai restaurant in Chinatown. It is always interesting to see the differences in foods in the same ethnic restaurants in different countries.

Amsterdam at night is a very beautiful place. Nicely lit and easy on the eyes, it is a wonderful place for an evening walk. The streetlights reflecting off the canals is beautiful and it’s nice to see people out enjoying the evening.

Plus, there is FEBO! That late-night stoner haven for vended deep-fried deliciousness. While we were here I made about eight stops total in 3-4 different locations of this place. Yeah, it’s fast food, but it is so different and there’s no waiting to get your food – drop in your coins or tap your phone/watch/card and open the little door. Angels will sing and a bright light appears through the fog as you reach for a delicious kroketten, kaassouffle, bami or any of the other tasty treats that await. Is it health food? Hell no…not by a long-shot. But, maybe it doesn’t have preservatives.

That’s all for my first day back in Amsterdam.

Tomorrow is another adventure!

Shawn