October 5, 2009
Tips from Harry for a Weekend in Amsterdam
Amsterdam for a long weekend? Sure, why not? It’s possible, thanks to Delta’s nonstop from Portland. As crazy as it might sound, more people are looking for interesting short breaks. Why? Because working couples are finding it increasingly difficult to schedule quality time together. So why go to Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers locals a solution for their vehicle storage: a bike garage
First, it’s different and yet similar – Portland has bikes; Holland is bikes! You just have a look at the bike-parking garage next to the main train station when you’re there. Food, spirits and ales are another reason. Amsterdam has an array of international restaurants that will make your mouth water. Try an exotic rijstafel in an Indonesian place. Mr. Bols created the original gin or genever, so be sure to try a Kopstoot at a local brown café, and you’ll be more local than the locals – and find you have a lot of new friends. And then there’s the beer: Heineken, Grolsch and Amstel. Need I say more? And while you are at it, tell your new friends how cool Portland is with our microbrews, wines, farm fresh cuisine, and the heart of the slow food movement. The Dutch are explorers, and the nonstop works great for them to spend a long weekend in Portland, which is good for our local economy, and tax-free shopping for them to boot.
Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum
Oh, where was I? Ah yes, Amsterdam! Well, you’ll find museums galore, like the Rijks, Van Gogh, and the new Hermitage. For nightlife, hit Boom Chicago in the Ledesplein and see Portland native, Jamie Kirkland, perform in this most entertaining improv show. Amsterdam has so many ways to get around the town: bike, canal bus, trams and walk, walk, walk. And the people are friendly, so no matter where you are, they all speak English. No worries; they’ll get you back to your cozy canal house hotel with lots of interesting fellow travelers to share your Amsterdam adventures with over a Dutch breakfast.
Do you really want to know the best part of this nonstop, and I fly to Europe a bunch? It’s because it’s right from my doorstep to my doorstep, with friendly customs and immigration agents who get you out in a jiffy in between. No more long queues in New York or Chicago and then the long flight home. That’s why I fly nonstop, shouldn’t you?
Ciao,
Harry
Harry Dalgaard, Avanti Destinations
Photo credits: Amsterdam bicycle garage, ceris42; Amsterdam canal and Rijksmuseum provided by Avanti Destinations
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