Travel to Amsterdam with Jane Godman

I Love Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities. It’s vibrant, and fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I like wandering De Negen Straatjes (or Nine Streets) that thread between the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht canals. They’re lined with quirky shops, little restaurants and cafés.

The city is famous for its museums, some of them high-brow, others silly (and a few pornographic). No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to the imposing Rijksmuseum, and my personal favorite is the Van Gogh Museum. I find it quite moving to look at the brush strokes of the master himself.

Then, of course, there is the Anne Frank House. Located on the Prinsengracht, in the center of the town, it is quite simply a not-to be missed experience.  

The best way to see Amsterdam’s incredible architecture is from the canals. The boat tours are fascinating, and the guides provide information about the city’s history. The buildings are tall and narrow (thanks to old tax rules based on the width of your house) with uneven gables, carvings, and huge windows.

Bitterballen (breaded meatballs), kibbeling (chunks of battered fish), fries with mayo (not ketchup), apple pie, waffles with hot cherry sauce… Dutch food is delicious! So is the steak that is served in the Argentinian restaurants around Dam Square.

There is, of course, a seedier side to Amsterdam. The Red Light district is the main tourist attraction, and the smell of pot hangs in the air over the canals. The traditional brown cafés advertise marijuana alongside the food. Unlike other places, Amsterdam

 

 

flaunts its dirty bits. They are, after all, the reason many people visit the city.

Last time I went to Amsterdam, it was so cold the canals were frozen (people were using the iced-up waterways as a shortcut)! There were no boat tours, and the highlight of the trip was definitely a hot chocolate in Dam Square!  

Although the city is compact, and it’s easy to see everything in a few days, Amsterdam is the sort of place you keep going back to. I know I’ll return…if only for the apple pie!

 

About Jane Godman

JANE GODMAN writes paranormal romance for Harlequin Nocturne and SMP Romance and thrillers for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She also self publishes her historical and gothic stories. She has been a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Nominee and The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award Winner.

Jane worked in a variety of shops, bars, and offices before settling into a career as a teacher. She was born in Scotland and has lived in Germany, Wales, Malta, South Africa, and England. Jane still gets the urge to travel, although these days she tends to head for a Spanish beach, or a European city that is steeped in history.

When she isn’t reading or writing romance, Jane enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She is married to a lovely man, has two grown up children and has recently discovered the joy of becoming a grandparent (to two gorgeous boys).

 Connect with Jane Godman on the web:

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Colton and the Single Mom (The Coltons of Red Ridge)

 

This Colton cop falls for a ready-made family

A Coltons of Red Ridge story

 

A serial killer is on the loose, and true-crime filmmaker Esmée da Costa is on the case. K-9 cop Brayden Colton, the prime suspect’s half brother, works hard to stop her prying, but sparks fly as he falls for Esmée and her son. When Esmée and Brayden’s little family comes under siege, can they save all they love?

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