As I write this, I’m sitting in a room in Amsterdam, having caught a few much-needed winks. It’s been a whirlwind since we landed at AMS yesterday morning at six. Deciding to hit the ground running despite a lack of rest, we started navigating trains—an easy task in theory, but one complicated by the intricacies of the Dutch language. Titus, ever resourceful, kept us on track and moving forward.

Amsterdam revealed itself as a city of canals, bridges, brick buildings topped with tile roofs, and an endless stream of bicycles. Tram rails and bike lanes made it imperative to look both ways—a lesson I didn’t always follow.

Stops Along the Way

Our explorations led us to Friedhat’s Café, a delightful spot where we sampled some excellent coffee. Later, we found ourselves at a doner kebab shop at an unconventional hour. The dish Kapsalon—a Turkish-inspired spin on poutine with Gouda—was delicious, though perhaps not the best choice for breakfast.

Somehow, IKEA made an accidental appearance in our itinerary before we pressed on to Haarlem. There, we marveled at an impressive old church adorned with 1500s brass pelicans and 1700s ship replicas. Lunch consisted of savory crepes, which hit the spot before we visited Adriaan’s Mill—a working windmill rebuilt in the 1990s after the original burned down. Perched atop Haarlem’s old city tower, the mill is a testament to engineering and dedicated maintenance.

The Beauty of Utrecht

Amsterdam may be the Netherlands’ most famous canal city, but Utrecht holds its own. Here, cafes and restaurants line canals below street level, offering a unique and picturesque dining experience. At a charming spot advertising “Brave Dutch Food,” we enjoyed shellfish bisque—a dish as exceptional as the relaxed, friendly service.

After supper, we took a leisurely walk along the cobblestone streets beside the lighted canals before catching a bus to the train station. The train ride back to Amsterdam was crowded, but it marked the end of a fulfilling day of discovery and adventure.