Amsterdam observations.

Some observations from my first trip to Amsterdam:

• If you’re sitting alone in a busy cafe or bar, people will ask to share your table; not because they want to talk to you, just until another table opens up. This happened often, both from Dutch people and tourists. Once another table opened, they thanked me and got up.
• The Heineken is much, much better in Amsterdam. Can’t tell if it’s a different recipe than the US version, or just fresher (or placebo).
• The biking infrastructure is incredible; this will probably get its own post later. Only cities that are older than cars can be this good for bikes.
• With narrow streets and narrow buildings to match, many apartments are small. People in street level units tend to stand in their doorways, with the front door open right into the living room. They are chatting with friends, smoking, or just watching the street go by. On a nice day, it feels almost like a hallway in a dorm.
• Overall the food is not great, but the cheese is excellent. “Fancy” restaurants are expensive but the food is average. You’re better off finding a local cafe that looks crowded and not touristy, and ordering a cheese plate or sandwich.