Amsterdam: "Gazellig means Good Times"
  by jasondobbs1  
written: 12 April 2001
last time there: April 2000
A word in the Dutch language, "gazellig", is a big reason why Amsterdam is so great, and it's key to their psyche. A gazellig environment allows good times to happen. It's like a good vibe, and it's contagious. Dutch fantacism on this subject is largely responsible for their quality of life.
The Dutch enjoy life most because they feel least guilty about its pleasures. Yes, Amsterdam is a city notorious for its sex and drugs, but that view is shallow and incomplete. The availability of these temptations (in addition to the Netherlands successes with race relations, urban sprawl and poverty) are end products of careful planning by open-minded people. Politicians have proceeded without worry, and tackled progressive projects with ease, successfully creating the capital city which is a beautiful collection of small shops, cafés, museums and culture. And bikes. Tons of them. And if you narrowly avoid missing these (I had three collisions in as many days) you'll enjoy the placid canals lined with crooked buildings and the overly-friendly, amazingly multilingual Dutch people.
Come to this quaint northern capital, and discover the good times of Gazellig for yourself.
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