Amsterdam

For the last two days of this trip we will enjoy a very clean,modern apartment near Dam Square. This is probably not the best of neighborhoods (there are at least three bordellos right across the street) but I think we picked the right place anyway. The host has thought of everything and the place is spotless.
We walked around a bit yesterday, but today will be our major outing to the Van Gough Museum some distance from here. I bought the tickets last month, and I think it should be worth the hike. As far as first impressions of this city are concerned, I will say that Amsterdam is not as clean a city as Brussels. There is more trash in the streets (indeed, it was hard to find ANY trash in the streets in Brussels, even after the big student riot of Saint V day). I think this may be the result of the place's laid back attitude towards all vice. If you are willing as a society to accept gambling, widespread public drinking, legalized marijuana and prostitution, then what is a bit of litter to worry over? I am not knocking this place by any means. The architecture is a weird Dr. Seuss type of leaning, crooked buildings, charming to gaze upon, and the widespread accommodation for bicycle riders is admirable.