Amsterdam was a stopover in both directions on our trip. We had about four hours there on the way to Spain, and an overnight on the way back home.
On the four-hour segment, we were greatly exhausted, having just flown for nine hours, so we took a canal cruise (beautiful views, vaguely annoying guide), wandered a little, had lunch, and got back to the airport, all in a bit of a daze.
On the way back, things were a bit more leisurely. We’d only flown the couple of hours from Madrid and had more time to explore, which we mostly did on foot, though we had a day pass on transit that we also used to great effect. It’s a gorgeous city. Despite what my time in Ireland led me to believe, it is not just a place for raunchy stag weekends and getting stoned.
I had troubles photographing it though, as I felt that the beauty was of the 360 degree variety. Nothing I took really felt like I was doing it justice, because I was forced to leave things out.
A big highlight was the Van Gogh museum, which was the only museum we visited from the wonderful array of museums Amsterdam has to offer. (Gigantic line-up, but also a sign that said, “Why wait in line when you can cross the street to such and such booking office and get your tickets right away?” Being a suspicious sort, I stayed in line while husband investigated and came back with tickets. Then we skipped the queue like we were VIPs or something while other people in line glared at us. It was rather fabulous.) Full of Van Goghs of course, but also a number of big names he was buddies with or who influenced him. And on the second floor was a delightful surprise of posters/lithographs/prints by the likes of Lautrec and Steinlen.
I’m not sure that Amsterdam is a place that I would go on vacation for any significant length of time, but simultaneously I’m happy we went and I’m quite sure I’d love to live there. It was just that kind of city. I’d probably need to learn to ride a bike though. Bikes are a very big deal in Amsterdam.
My One Precious Life 
I disagree about the photographs, Stephanie: they’re beautiful. It’s interesting that you wouldn’t want to visit Amsterdam for any length of time, but would love to live there. I’d like to hear more about that.
Aw thanks. I do like my photos, I just feel like they don’t give a complete picture, and I was having mental struggles trying to figure out how to do that. I don’t think I really succeeded.
As for the other, I think it’s that as a tourist, what you can take it is always quite superficial. I wouldn’t mind spending a few more days there to see some more of the museums, but otherwise, in the short time we spent there, I feel like we did it justice from a sightseeing perspective. So a two-week vacation there, say, would feel excessive.
Living in a place is different though. You get to know it better, and from what I experienced of the people there, I think I like the ethos of the Amsterdam. The people seem very sweet and relaxed and environmentally conscious. It is also a very pretty city with a lovely park and is very flat. Flat is big for me, as I place a high value on walkability since I don’t have a car.
I love how you described the photos — I’m in Colorado right now and I feel the same way. That said, I have to agree with bronxboy — Your photos are fantastic!
Thank you!