Too much fun

I just had the best birthday trip ever! My hostel was unbelievable. It never ceases to amaze me how in three nights a hostel can become a home. Complete with family. If it hadn't been sunny out yesterday, I probably wouldn't have seen the city!

Amsterdam is everything it promises to be. And then some. The infamous coffee shops? They're there. The Red Light district with its ladies in the windows? Yup. Oh yeah, and there are cool buildings and windmills and stuff, too.

I think the thing that struck me as being the strangest is that, despite its reputation, Amsterdam is a tourist destination for families and large groups of senior citizens. Ut's just weird to see middle-class, middle-aged couples with the munchies or a couple of 70-year-olds checking out the sex shops.
Not that there's anything wrong with it ... The kids, though - I don't understand that. Amsterdam is not very children-friendly. I mean, on the surface, it's a really beautiful city, full of canals and cafes and museums. But walk down the wrong little street and you're in front of an adult cinema whose ads leave nothing to the imagination. And walk into a souvenir shop and you'll have to explain the drug paraphernalia and XXX-rated playing cards and pens. It's just not right.

But despite being a bit disturbed by the smut, I had an absolutely fabulous time in Europe's sin city - too much fun. I admit, I didn't actually patronize any of the coffee shops. Or the Red Light district (big surprise there). But thanks to the big, comfy bar, friendly people and live DJs at my hostel, I didn't really have to. :D
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.