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Amsterdam: An Introduction to the City

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As some of you may know from previous entries, I will be studying abroad in May 2008 with my college! I will be spending 3 weeks in Paris and Amsterdam/The Netherlands.

Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands. The name comes from Amstel dam, referring to the city's origin: a dam in the river Amstel. The city is known for its historic ports, the Rijksmuseum, the red-light district, the liberal coffeeshops, and the canals which have led to Amsterdam being termed the "Venice of the North".

On my study abroad trip, I will be learning the history and more specifically the history of art (I'm an art major) during the Golden Age.

During the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam was one of the most important ports in the world. With it's innovative developments in trade, Amsterdam became the leading center for finance and diamonds.

The city of Amsterdam was founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village. It has since grown to become the largest city in the Netherlands with a population of approx. 743,104 inhabitants and contains at least 172 nationalities.

Be sure to read upcoming entry containing information about the infamous Red Light District (legal prostitution) in Amsterdam!

Posted in amsterdam | college | europe | History | Holland | Netherlands | travel Kryptonite11's blog | delicious | digg | reddit | 160 reads

Submitted by Kryptonite11 on January 24, 2008 - 6:33pm.

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ModelMom | January 24, 2008 - 6:53pm

congrats on studying abroad! i think it's something everyone should do and study abroad programs should be a requirement for all college students. there is nothing like travel to truly educate and broaden a person's mind. i lived & studied in salzburg, austria for a year when i was a sophomore in college and it was one of the best experiences of my life. after college i ended up traveling all over the world for work for almost 6 years. now i'm a stay at home mom and can't wait for my kids to be a little older so we can travel as a family.

amsterdam and paris are both incredible cities. you are going to learn a lot and have a blast as well! best of luck!

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angelface79 | January 24, 2008 - 7:27pm

That is really so neat! I love the picture and how the little boats are covered.

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Kryptonite11 | January 24, 2008 - 7:43pm

Thanks so much for the wonderful comment ModelMom!

I'm very excited about my the whole experience! The only thing left for me to do is raise the money to be able to go! It's fairly reasonable considering the high cost of travel (and the Euro) these days. $3500 covers all of the travel expenses, lodging, most meals, unlimied entrance into most historical sites and museums, as well as several other things for the month of May.

I'm an artist (photographer, painter, printmaker, etc!) so I'm trying to create and sell artwork to earn money for my trip.

I'll be sure to post photos from my program in my blog when I return in June!

Sounds like you had a good study abroad experience! Good luck on travelling with the family! If you dont mind my asking, what type of work did you do for the 6 years after college?

Thanks again!
Danielle


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