I just took one of those time-wasting, wonder-what-my-results-will-be FaceBook quizzes. It supposedly determined my “Soul City”. And the result: Amsterdam.
Here’s Facebook’s description of why Amsterdam and I are sympatico:
“Anything goes! Your laid back and cool dude attitude goes well with the free spirited capital of the Netherlands. You have a hidden, risqué side that unsurfaces when the mood takes you. A cheeky glint in your eye, a certain sex appeal that is extremely captivating. You very much believe in working to live, not living to work, so I don’t expect to see you in the boardroom with Sir Alan on The Apprentice – rather sitting outside a nice bar or cafe watching the world go by…”
The questions were innocuous enough, like “What’s my favorite tipple”? by which it means, libation. I chose a glass of red wine (though I almost went with “a cup of coffee”). Nothing racy was in there. And yet, I get this description. Maybe in a previous life, but the only thing risque I do these days is letting my preschooler pick his own clothes.
I do, however, like the “work to live, not live to work” aspect. And I do love Amsterdam. It has all the amenities of the U.S. only with charm and character. Nearly everyone speaks English, so it’s easy to make new friends without taking a Berlitz course. Damn good beer (the Heineken Brewery tour rocked) and such an eclectic mix of fabulous restaurants. Some of the best Indian and also some of the best barbecue ribs I’ve ever eaten were in Amsterdam (and I really love ribs). Hot french fries with pindasaus (hot, spicey peanut butter sauce) are also very yummy. The art musuems are also wonderful (big Van Gogh and Vermeer fan here!).
But, and this is a biggie, I can’t ride a bike (don’t laugh, I lived on a very steep hill as a child and never learned as a result) so I sort of wouldn’t fit in entirely in this very bicycle-obsessed culture.
