Amsterdam, the Netherlands
I really really liked Amsterdam. I guess I didn't have much expectation for it and was struck by how pretty, relaxed, and laid-back it was. The fact that everyone spoke perfect English (that includes the maids in the hotel, any random restaurant waiter, or people at the news stand) definitely helps. We also lived in a not-so-touristy area (although close to Leisdseplein so that it was very convenient, it is remote enough so there are actually 'locals' around us). We only went to Dam square (think, Time Square) once and I think that was enough.
Our (Nadeen and myself) hotel is near the 'Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes)' neighborhood, which is a hip, yet not pretentious, shopping district with charming boutiques and cafes. I can't express enough of the relaxed atmosphere... for example, I'd compare the Negen Straatjes to areas of
Williamsburg or Brooklyn Height, but without the hipper-than-thou attitude, or the under current of aggressiveness of New York streets. The food was great, thanks to our local guide, Kahing. We really didn't have much free time to do all the touristy things, but to hit the Rijks and the Van Gogh Museums. The Rijksmuseum was under renovation so only a small part of a side building was open to the public and it is mostly about the Dutch 'Golden Age'. Having been to Venezia over Christmas, and going to Rome and Firenze next, the mostly calm, cool, non-religious pictures are very welcoming, and perhaps more suited to my personality. The Van Gogh Museum reminds me distinctively of MOMA in New York, with the central atrium of staircase and views of other floors.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to try the 'premium goods' of Amsterdam, but I did try some absinthe... Kahing and friends took us to a neighborhood bar and we tried both versions of the hallucinogenic liquor... I even tried the stronger version... alas... I think these things really have very little effect on me, since Nadeen could feel her weaker version very soon, without finishing hers, and I didn't feel a thing at all... I guess this is a stronger indicator that one day, when I have to go under anesthesia, the doctor probably have to give me plenty of booster shots...
People have said that Amsterdam is one of the most expansive places to visit... While our hotel bill was pretty stiff, and tram/bus tickets are not cheap, brief investigation of real estate and food revealed similar prices to New York. A small 2 bedroom is around 500,000 USD in the Negen Straatjes, or on the Prinsengracht, which is probably even cheaper than the Upper West Side. But I guess while most buildings are 'pre-war', there ain't gonna be doormen or elevators...
During the conference, there were some ads for 'the Holland House of Regenerative Medicine' that is a bunch of rotating circular buildings built on the water. We couldn't find out much more about it. While I have great doubts and reservations to put my lab in some sort of a moving, floating base, I really wouldn't mind living there. So let me know if they are hiring!
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