Nestled along the banks of the Amstel River, the small village of Amsterdam was founded in the 1100's. By the 1600's, with the rise of the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam became a major world trading port. Honeycombed with canals, today's Amsterdam is known for its liberal mindset and tolerance for others.

Bicylces seem to be the major mode of transportation, along with walking, and this lifestyle lends itself to a healthy lifestyle. Along with a love for the outdoors, the arts flourish in this vibrant city, and it is the cultural center of the Netherlands.

In my time here, I met many kind and curious people - even some new long-distance social media friends. After a several morning and evening outings when the crowds had gone home, I still felt as if I'd just barely scratched the surface. I hope you enjoy these photographs from my Amsterdam adventures.