Often, during musings with like-minded compatriots, conversations turn to the question, ‘Where, if you could choose anywhere in the world, would you want to be right now?’

I will always answer Amsterdam, unequivocally by far my favourite city to date. I first discovered the little gem in the pages of the poignant Anne Frank memoir, which I read at the age of 12. The tragic ordeal of Anne Frank absorbed me at that tender age and inspired my imagination to explore the possibilities of what lay beyond the confines of the achterhuis.

I waited many years to experience Amsterdam in person and travel the streets on foot, and of course by bike. It was with some trepidation that I agreed with a close acquaintance to visit Amsterdam as part of a short stint round Europe. Said acquaintance had visited before and told tales of raucous behaviour where morals were haphazardly strewn in the wake of young men tasting the darker side of the city. It seemed too hardcore for me. Yet within moments of stepping out of the train station and into the throng of bikes, moving expertly through the traffic, watching a slightly decrepit tram rattle by I knew that I liked the place. It was like meeting someone for the first time, and knowing within seconds that a life-long friendship had been uncovered. Of course, my first experience of Amsterdam would not have been complete without a trip to the streets bathed in red, an experience to say the least. That such a taboo should be so blatantly on display and available was disconcerting, but at least these women could be honest, and almost proud of their profession, as opposed to lurking in suspect, and often dangerous, areas as occurs in many other countries in Europe. Amsterdam embraces the sex industry, and although the experience of intense voyeurism was, for me, far from sexy, it was up-front and daring in a powerful way.

It wasn’t until last year that I was reunited with the city, this time through its’ people, and then I really discovered what the city had to offer. Whilst the buildings, the cafes, the boats and the bikes suggested a liberal and open atmosphere the people of Amsterdam really bring this to life. In America I met two very dear friends, both from Holland and both in studying in Amsterdam, their humorous approach to life stoked my yearning for the streets of Amsterdam. I was rewarded some months later when I was able to visit my friends in their home country and experience a night out Dutch style in the city. Whilst our nights in New York had been spent in expensive dresses, sipping Dom Pérignon, a night in Amsterdam offered a different crowd. I liked not being the only girl drinking a beer, whilst cracking out gregarious dance moves without a hint of self-consciousness. Needless to say experiencing Amsterdam in the company of its’ own revealed how the character of the city is shaped by those who live in it, and those who live in it ROCK!

Every time I reach Amsterdam I feel like I’m home yet at the same time in unchartered territory. My most recent escapade to Amsterdam was a whirlwind trip…in and out in one day. And this time, among the hustle and bustle (sedate by most cities’ standards) I met someone for the first time and I knew instantly I’d stumbled upon a friend for life. The thing about Amsterdam is that I want to go back for more, I crave it and know it has more to offer, like plenty of museums.

**This short Travel Story was submitted as part of the Holiday Travel Writing Competition. All short-listed entries such as this one are published in our online Travel Guide**

Story written by Catherine Ainsworth | Since 2006 Holiday Velvet offers Amsterdam Accommodation.