Who doesn't want to be a world traveler nowadays? With so many places to see and experience, it is inevitable that you will someday find yourself in Rome or Paris. With those cities successfully checked off my "To See" list, I ventured to the Netherlands and Amsterdam for a weekend. Who can't resist their obviously lenient legislation?

I arrived in Amsterdam on a Friday morning and left at noon on Sunday. Fortunately, the city of Amsterdam can be fully experienced in just a weekend. If you are into drug experimentation and prostitutes, you may want to stay a little while longer. Word to the wise, in Amsterdam a "Coffee Shop" is a place to buy soft drugs (marijuana, mushrooms, hash) for your own personal use. Do not walk in there ready to order a large mocha with extra whipped cream, you will find yourself a bit surprised.

I found that generally everything in Amsterdam, including beer, food and clothing is fairly expensive. It is wise to walk into this city with a general plan of what you hope to see. There are a few places that while admission is not cheap, they are well worth experiencing.

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for everyone, not just art-enthusiasts. The Museum houses a large number of Van Gogh's originals and comes with headsets for a personalized tour. Admission is 15 Euro, but after spending three hours in the four story building you will find that it is worth the price.

The Anne Frank House is a powerful attraction that must be experienced. The house acts as an exhibition on the life of Anne Frank and her family. Certain details are preserved such as original posters and magazine hangings on Anne's bedroom walls. Various diary entries are recorded on the walls, taking you through the family's daily life in the Secret Annex.

If you are looking for a fun time and a different experience, I suggest the Heineken Brewery. It is the original Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam dating back to 1930. You not only get a firsthand look at how Heineken beer is made and a taste of the ingredients, but a trip to the bar for two pints of this fabulous beer. With a virtual reality ride, Heineken commercial viewings, make-your-own music video and other interactive activities, this museum tour turns into quite a journey into the wonderful world of beer.

There are other must-sees that can be done on the way to museum tours. Take a detour to the Red Light District by walking through the Flower Market. Be sure to walk through the Red Light District during the day, preferably early afternoon. If you are interested in the history and insider information on this part of town, they have guided tours available. If you have extra time, set aside about 45 minutes for the Sex Museum right outside the Red Light District. It is three Euro, and quite an eye-opener, but fun when you go with a group.

With a city as lively as Amsterdam, finding good food is not a problem. There is virtually every genre of food, but mostly Pancake Houses. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the pancakes must make up at least one meal of the day. There is every topping available, including turning the pancake into a pizza by adding vegetables or pepperoni. Just be sure to try the hot waffles at the stands set up on the streets. They will leave you utterly breathless.

You will leave your visit to Amsterdam absolutely exhausted but with a few new experiences and sights under your sleeve. Just watch out for cyclists.