I know this is sacreligious to admit, but my first impressions of
Amsterdam weren't so good. I know it was late when I got in last
night, but there was construction everywhere, concrete everywhere, and
just this overall feeling of seediness. And not the good kind of
seedy.

To get to my hostel, I walked down this long street (Damark) that
reminded me of the worst part of Time Square. Cheap stuff for sale,
trash, drunks, etc. I then turned down this teeny dark alley the width
of a car, and walked through a series of buildings selling "pleasure
enhancers" "I love Amsterdam" shirts, and overpriced weed. The thin
width of the alleys lended an exrtra surreal ominous feel.

In the morning, I walked around on Damrak, realizing that my hostel is
in the HEART of downtown, which explains a lot. Downtown has never
been my scene in any American city, why did I think it would be any
different in Europe?

In any case, I know Amsterdam is many peoples' favorite city, so I
told myself to keep my opinions to myself. As part of my adventure,
I'm working on being more open-minded about things.