my. Traveling Lens

Magna Plaza Shopping Center in Amsterdam

September 9, 2011. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

This ornately decorated 19th century building is one of the few shopping centers in Amsterdam. Located behind the Royal Palace in Dam Square, it houses three levels of fashion brands from all over the world. I was really drawn to the exterior of the building because it looks more like a historical museum than a shopping mall, compared to the modern structures of what we have here back in the United States.

I didn’t bother to go inside because I certainly did not want to be tempted to buy things that wouldn’t fit in my suitcase to take home. Upon researching additional information for this post, I stumbled on some photos of the mall. The interior looks just as splendid as the exterior. Well, next time, I must go inside for a visit and take some photos. I’ll just be sure to leave the credit cards at home.

Magna Plaza
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182 (map)
1012 SJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Other photos and articles of Amsterdam you may like:

Photo: A Walk in the Rain in Amsterdam

Photo of the Day: Amsterdam’s Historic Architecture on a Rainy Day

Photo of the Day: A Beautiful Afternoon on the Canal in Amsterdam

Photo Postcard: The Iconic I Amsterdam Sign — Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands — A City of Flowers that Lifts the Broken Spirit

A Walk in the Rain in Amsterdam

September 6, 2011. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

In the few days leading up to my departure to Amsterdam, I checked the weather forecast. Icons of gray clouds and droplets of water covered the screen of my computer. Sure enough, rain was in the forecast for the majority of my 6-day visit there. I checked and rechecked everyday in hopes that I might have looked at it wrong or perhaps the weather gods heard my prayers for a sunny day forecast. To my dismay, no such luck.

A traveler always wishes for the ideal condition on the road, but idealism is all in the perspective of the beholder, isn’t it? Although there was much sporadic rain, I found it quite a refreshing change from rain-deprived home here in Southern California. With charming views of tree-lined canals and ornate historical buildings at every corner, Amsterdam is the ideal city for a walk in the rain.

Is it just me or does walking in the rain make you feel warm and fuzzy inside? What is the ideal condition for you when traveling? Please feel free to leave a comment or question below or on my Facebook wall.

Other photos and articles of Amsterdam you may like:

Photo of the Day: Amsterdam’s Historic Architecture on a Rainy Day

Photo of the Day: A Beautiful Afternoon on the Canal in Amsterdam

Photo Postcard: The Iconic I Amsterdam Sign — Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands — A City of Flowers that Lifts the Broken Spirit

Unlimited Delicious — A Cute Little Bakery on a Cute Little Street in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Historic Architecture on a Rainy Day

Other Amsterdam Articles You May Like:

• The Iconic I Amsterdam Sign
• Amsterdam, Netherlands — A City of Flowers that Lifts the Broken Spirit
• Unlimited Delicious — A Cute Little Bakery on a Cute Little Street in Amsterdam