Normally I don’t like going to a café or bar on my own. Sitting at a table alone, in between groups or couples makes me feel lonely. Not so in Amsterdam. The Dutch “gastvrijheid” I experienced in this city was amazing. I entered a pub, waiting for a friend to meet me and I did not know how long it would take until he would show up. So I felt a little uncomfortable, but as soon as I had sat down at the counter I found myself in a lively conversation with an Irish girl, her Dutch friend and the Portuguese bartender. I was not alone for more than five minutes. Something similar happened the next day when I went for coffee. Just when I wanted to leave the bistro again, the Italian owner invited me for a second cup of cappuccino and a piece of cake. So I spent an extra hour, sitting at the bar, chatting with him in Dutch. As he had been married to a Dutch woman for more than 28 years, he was perfectly fluent. All in all, Amsterdam had a great impression on me and I want to see this exciting city, which made me feel so welcome, as often as possible.