Leaving Amsterdam, after a week in town and a little trip to the countryside and coast in a small Fiat 500. I really like the practical and liberal mindset which is shaping the town. There is a lot less whining than in Berlin and other German cities. It seems, that if you smoke Cannabis all day, then you chose that as a lifestyle, and not the society made you a victim. But actually, I have not seen many people doing this anyways and the topic itself seem to excite tourists more than locals. The town is quite energetic and mixes history and innovation in a very nice manner. The practicality of Amsterdam also appears to be different from what I experienced in Hong Kong, which I found one dimensional and far too commercial. Even Amsterdam is also a traditional place of traders, still the mindset is far less speculative than in Hong Kong. Sure, the Dutch experienced their first reported economic bubble market crash in 1637, in what was called “Tulip Mania”. Dutch tradesmen know very well, that they have to find something innovative to source if they want to stay competitive. Last but not least the Netherlands have excellent Universities and own capabilities to do so. My impressions are just the ones of a short visit, and far away from a general judgement. But what I have seen, I liked - except the weather. But that’s fine.