When will summer come?

I wake up every morning hoping for a bright, sunny day, where I can walk out my door without worrying about wearing a jacket or carrying an umbrella, but summer isn't ready to come to Amsterdam yet.
My family back in Pakistan is complaining about how hot it is - 52 degree celcius is a joke really when you compare it to 15 degrees over here.
I try hard to imagine what it was like a few years ago when I was a part of that hot weather, but now I desparately wish for one hot day, when I can let my skin pores sweat and then take a cold shower and enjoy some ice cold beverage.

Cycling in Amsterdam

If you love cycling, then Amsterdam is your heaven. It is a place where you can find any kind of cycle to suit your needs and paddle around the whole city in a matter of hours. In Spring and Summer, Amsterdam is definitely the best place to be for cyclists. But even the harsh winds of winter or snow doesn't keep the people of this city off their cycles. Come rain, come snow, Amsterdam will never be seen without cycles.

Whether you are a mother of three, or a shopaholic, do not think that cycling will be a hurdle for you in anyway. You can easily find cycles with baby seats installed in the front and back, and big shopping carts attached to them. These are not just cycles, but a whole transportation system, and don't think people would stare at you funny if you are riding one of these, because you will just be one of many.

Truly, driving is not recommended in Amsterdam, especially in the central area, where the roads are too narrow. You can use public transport, but the best way to explore the city is to cycle. Once you come to this beautiful and happening city, you automatically want to get on a bike and ride because of all the inspiration you see around you. From kids to grandparents, everyone is seen cycling around comfortably. Couples cycle around holding hands, making it as romantic as a candle light dinner.

Cycling along the canals of Amsterdam gives one the real joys of experiencing the serene side to this otherwise happening city. Afterwards, cycle your way towards Liedsplien, for a quick drink or some nice food, while enjoying the free music almost always show at this Square. Park you cycle any place you can find a spot, which might not be very easy considering there are almost as many cycles in Amsterdam as there are the people. The make your way to the centre of the city stopping at Dam Square, to just take in the real Amsterdam. There aren't any monuments or huge buildings to admire, but just the aura of the fantastic young city.

For a peaceful cycle ride go to Vondelpark, the biggest park of the city known for its beauty and greenery.

Its refreshing, its fun, and its healthy. What more can someone ask for?

Spring in Amsterdam

I came to Amsterdam in the windy October to welcome the chilly winters. It was hard to enjoy the true spirits of the city in the snow, which has now magnificently bloomed with the spring flowers.
Now I am woken up with a bright ray of sunshine which shines through my thin curtains, that didn't seem so thin a few months ago. As I look outside the windows of my 9th floor apartment I can see greenery everywhere instead of barren trees. And now I really see why Netherlands is called so beautiful.
Its really a joy to be here in the Spring. The city is flooded with tourists, as I heard an American girl in the tram yesterday, in her loud American accent 'Does anyone actually live here?'