Amsterdam is a magical place full of excitement and wonder around every corner. I would recommend visiting this grand city to anyone. Amsterdam is full of energy and there is something for everyone here. Want to stroll through the cobblestone streets at night and watch the city light up? I can guarantee that this is most enjoyable. While you are at it I would recommend taking a night canal cruise through the city as I did. It is quite an unforgettable experience. Though Amsterdam has many and I mean many museums, I found myself staying away from them and getting lost in the city streets instead. Don't get me wrong, the museums are some of the best in the world but I was just not very interested in waiting in ridiculously long lines.

There is one major tourist attraction I do recommend visiting and that is the Hortus Botanical Gardens near the center of Amsterdam. The botanical garden is one of the oldest in the world and it was originally founded in 1638 as a herb garden for doctors. Nowadays the beautiful garden contains more than six thousand tropical and indigenous plants from around the world. Anywho, Amsterdam is a fun city and I had a blast people watching and photo taking. Hope you enjoy the photos below. :)

After a ten hour flight from LAX and zero hours of sleep, I arrive in the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. This city has a notorious reputation for marijuana, prostitution, and legalized gay marriage, for this is where the Dutch have stood for many years. The Dutch have been at the forefront of controversial change and tolerate certain activities that many other countries consider unacceptable. With that leadership in controversial matters, the Dutch have made their capital a magnet that's pulling people from around the world to this canal-ridden land.

These controversial activities that one associates with Amsterdam are only a slice of what this city has to offer. There are countless museums throughout the city like the Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, or the famous Anne Frank house. For my first day, I chose to explore and soak up the city through my five senses. I had no plan or agenda, just curiosity, and excitement! So here are some photos of Amsterdam from an American viewpoint.