An ideal place

Orlando Quiñones Santiago

Marat Madrid Morgado
Ingles IV
4° “B”
Parcial Project 1
Since some time ago, I started to like the idea of living in a European country and I
have always liked the Netherlands as a country, because it is a very clean and
beautiful country, but of the few cities I know, I really like the idea of living in
Amsterdam. The City of Amsterdam combines its extensive canals and numerous
bridges with the original architecture of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
concentrated in a small area. The works of famous artists such as Rembrandt and
Van Gogh can be admired in the Amsterdam Museums. Amsterdam offers the living
history of one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Europe.

Amsterdam is said to be an open and tolerant city, combining a strong culture with
people of simple habits. I have heard that this City preserves and offers its history,
has a permanent offer of varied entertainments and makes your visit easy with an
efficient urban transportation system. Everything is close by and it is common to see
local princesses riding bicycles. You can enjoy a long walk along the magical canals
and discover the secrets of the city that made water a valuable resource.

With its urban harmony and solidity, it is hard to believe that Amsterdam started out
as a marshy area between the North Sea and the Ij and Amstel rivers. But the many
canals that crisscross the city are a reminder of the continuous efforts of its
inhabitants to reclaim land from the water. To enter Amsterdam is to discover a
cosmopolitan city, with universal museums and neighborhoods always ahead of their
time.

What I must also say is that it is quite expensive to live in Amsterdam. Rent is high,
dining out is expensive and train fares are very expensive. But, most people seem
to be fine financially. As long as you budget properly, you will be fine. A good salary
in Amsterdam would be 2500-3500 euros per month for a mid-level job. If I decide
to move to Amsterdam, I have to keep in mind that the tax rate is extremely high
there, so I would have to say goodbye to a big chunk before it hits my bank account.
However, in return, you get to live in an immaculate country that will be there to
support you when you need it.
The bike culture is also a big plus for me. The infrastructure is built with cyclists in
mind and riding your bike around the city is very liberating, although you have to feel
comfortable dodging the obstacles that will inevitably cross your path.

To live in Amsterdam you must first buy a bicycle. It is the fastest and most cost-
effective way to get around, and the city is small enough that you can ride your bike
basically everywhere.

Every corner you turn is a postcard view. Another great advantage is how easily and
inexpensively you can explore Europe with your home base in Amsterdam. With
Paris and London just a short train ride away, and Schiphol airport nearby, you can
travel ridiculously to virtually anywhere in Europe.

Another thing is that if I move to Amsterdam I should get health insurance right away.
Since, in the Netherlands it is mandatory to have it.

In conclusion, to live in Amsterdam would be one of my biggest dreams to live, and

it is but that it is not so difficult that I will never be able to fulfill it. I am very aware
that to go to live in this city you must have a very good economic level because of
how expensive it is, that I must master English almost to perfection and that
eventually I will also have to learn to speak Dutch. In short, there are many obstacles
to overcome, but little by little and with enough effort I will be able to live in the ideal
place.