Originally Posted by
wishiwashere
Yes, you are correct, only one Swissotel in Amsterdam, when I picked the location it was simply because it seemed like an efficient logistical starting point. My intel is likely to be incorrect regarding the actual locations of areas in relation to each other. We have been collaborating (shared google map) to mark points of interest with another couple we are traveling with. Mainly we have been noting the locations of possible points of interest based on online research and not first hand knowledge. Now the next step is to find the best options for transportation. On a map, the city really does seem condensed and walkable. We plan to get an Iamsterdam card to have access to tram/bus/metro as well as museum access.
If you will only be here for 2 or 3 days, there's plenty to see inside the city without needing to travel outside. Yes, the city is quite walkable, but most people here travel by bike. Museum access is a great idea as there are quite a few museums here, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum all clustered around one green square. There are a number of other interesting museums, including the Rembrandt house, the Ann Frank House, the Resistance Museum (
http://www.verzetsmuseum.org/) and a Jewish Museum (
http://www.jhm.nl/).
Funny you mention the Asian area, as my wife and I are Korean (Korean-American). This little tip could be just what we need to fill our rice-based meal quota. Joking aside, when we travel we like to do as the locals do. Thus Jenever has just made the list of things to try! My drink of choice is Glen Livet so I am accustomed to expensive small and strong drinks. Cheers!
Yes, if you like Scotch, jenever should be something you feel quite comfortable with. Just be careful
never to order young jenever (jonge jenever). If you would like to tell me what sort of things interest you, I might know of some places you could go.