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Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. The name of the city has interesting roots. It came from the name of a dam called Amstel, which was built in a river. Over the years, people called their city, Amstel dam and this became simply, Amsterdam. It boasts of the Rijksmuseum, a port known throughout its history. It also has a red light district that is not considered illegal. The city is also filled with small cafes and shops. Amsterdam is often compared to Venice in Italy because of its network of canals that makes it possible for boats to travel in some parts of the city. It is the perfect place for those who seek romantic adventure as one can easily ride in the boats, lounge around and enjoy the view. Its history goes a long way, back to the 12th century. Amsterdam began life as a small fishing village but it is one of the largest cities in the country today. The metropolis has a population of around 2.2 million. This is the home for a lot of nationalities from all over the world.
Amsterdam does not only boast of its beautiful scenery and surroundings. It was also a haven for artists like Rembrandt. His art and also the work of his many students can be admired in the Rijksmuseum. The famous artist Vincent Van Gogh also resided for quite some time in Amsterdam. They also built a museum in his honor to house the collection of paintings that he crafted in his career. Amsterdam is also known to be a fashion capital. Visiting this city can hone fashions skills because of top branded shops competing for attention. G-star, 10 feet, Blueblood, and Frans Molenaar are part of the said line of stores. Also, a lot of supermodels can be seen in the streets of the city. Better to keep cameras within reach for the opportunity to snap these models in the open. The city is known for its liberal views and practices. Cannabis is freely sold in the city but it is advisable to be cautious because it is not considered as good public behavior. Aside from fashion, sports are the next big thing in Amsterdam. Early in the twentieth century, the city hosted the Olympics. Today, the Olympic Stadium is being maintained and used by athletes for different sports. There is also a popular ice-skating rink, a favorite with residents and visitors alike, called the Jaap Eden Baan. Winter sports, such as ice hockey and speed skating, are enjoyed all through the year. In addition to boats and busses, bicycles are considered to be a popular mode of transportation. The city government made the streets bike friendly for everyone. Bikers are welcome to use the paths that are designated for them, throughout the city. Remember if you opt to get around the city by bike, buy a lock because of several incidents with thieves. The many bicycles have become a part of the culture of everyday Amsterdam.
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