THINGS I WISH I DID IN AMSTERDAM
While I loved my short but fun time in Amsterdam, especially as my first solo international trip, looking back, I would’ve added some more purposeful things.
All places can be found on my Google Maps list here - https://maps.app.goo.gl/eQqR8aNVJdWLQZxK6 (for easy navigation & seeing how far things are from each other)
Here is my list of the things I wish I had done in Amsterdam:
1) I wish I went outside the bustling city to Zaanse Schans.
From the city to countryside, windmills, and local cheese producers, this is one I really wanted to fit into my schedule.
Sorry for the lactose intolerance folks, but I LOVE cheese. This was on my list as my next thing to do over seeing the famous tulips.
In addition to Zaanse Schans, there’s a few other towns to look into as well.
Edam a quaint local town, a bit off the path but on the way to Zaanse Schans if you wanted to see both in one day) and Utrecht.
Utrecht is a bit more like Amsterdam with castles, museums, canals, and things to do. It is just a short train ride from Amsterdam.
2) Plastic fishing with Plastic Whale
Yes you heard that right - plastic fishing!
Help clean up the canal and support the cause. Plastic Whale takes the plastic collected and turns it into beautiful design boats and office furniture!
Book with them and read about their mission here - https://plasticwhale.com/plastic-fishing/
3) Bike around
Sometimes, with nowhere to go, these are the best times to notice things or find things to do! Chat with a local and just see more of the area.
I wish I had taken a classic bikeride around Amsterdam and just explored!
4) Exploring more secondhand shops
I thrifted a good bit after some truffles, but I wish I could’ve shopped at more stores on my list. I love finding unique items at thrift and antique stores abroad.
At the time, I lived in Wilmington, NC, and a thrift store had a UNCW (local college) in the store. Really does remind you that it is such a small world.
5) Taste Before You Waste
Having a good meal and giving back to a cause is my kind of highlight, so I also wish I had attended a Taste Before You Waste event.
They offer wasteless Wednesday dinners, educational workshops, and more to showcase that the food that currently gets discarded is actually delicious!
“Join a 3-course vegan dinner made from locally rescued ingredients! It's run by volunteers and donation-based, on a first come-first served basis :) doors open at 7pm.” - from their website.
6) Fruittuin van West
Pick local fruit, discover biodiversity, check out the farm, animals, and have some groceries or food at the café at Fruittuin van West farms!
Just a sliver of their website and chicory section:
“Recycling
The circulating water from chicory cultivation contains dissolved nutrients and microbial activity. Because it flows through the bins, a 'compost tea' is created, which is again used in our mold-dominant orchard.
A head of chicory grows once on each pen. When it is harvested, we bring it to the cows as feed, because there are still many nutrients in it.
The worm compost comes from our own orchard and is also reused within the company.”
Would love to see the chicory and mushroom caves next time I am in Amsterdam!