Well as most of you know I have just gotten back from a short trip to Europe, and Amsterdam was my first city to visit. I quickly found out how easy the city is to navigate, that looking at a map
one can tell that everything runs almost in a semi circle, so getting lost was not a big issue.
I found the City Center over run by tourists, even at the end of Aug, the streets were packed with English, French, Spanish, North AMerican and Asian tourists. The old admired the building and the younge could not wait to get into a "coffee" shop.
I did not have any problems with communication as every one I met spoke english, it seemed the norm, I guess being so close to England. So you can make the effort and learn Durch or not, it will not really matter, there will almost always be someone who will speak your english tounge.
The buildings and canals are amazing to look at, as well as the monuments around the city, these are just some interests of mine. And there is no shortage of
Museums and cultural sights. I had the pleasure of coming across a art festival in the park near the Van Gogh museum, which was a great time, thousands of people turned out for a chanse to meet and greet with imdependent artists.
I really have to say this, and I know I am going to sound like and old fool, but the whole sex and drugs thing got very old, very fast...hanging out in the red light district lasted for me about 2 hours, then i stayed away, only going back to go to my hostel. I wish I could comment on Bars and Clubs, and "coffee" shops, but this time i just did not budget for those luxuries so early on in my trip.
This city can appeal to two types of people, the serious party dawgs, who love to club and drink and have a wicked time, sleep all day party all night!
OR
The person that wants to get out and admire architecture, culture, and the sights this city has to offer.
And if your are both of these types of people, you have really found a city you will find hard to leave. B)