Its charm, its history, its allure, its sounds, and its sights.......Amsterdam surpassed every expectation. We tasted some of the best foods, walked along charming canals, and saw the most impressive art work......Hospitality reigns supreme here and the "frites" will make you beg for more. Amsterdam may be the gateway to Europe, but don't make the mistake to rush through it! Stop long enough to smell the flowers on the flowermarkt, or be blinded by the diamonds being cut! There is more to see and do within one square kilometer, than in most other world cities.