Amsterdam Winter Vlog | Gay Couple Visit Jordaan, The 9 Streets, Anne Frank House + more

Welcome to our Amsterdam Winter Vlog, where we're braving the chilly streets to uncover more of the heart and soul of this vibrant city! Join us as we dive into the charming Jordaan neighborhood, indulge in delicious cuisines, and ponder the age-old question: Why is there so much trash on the streets?
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We are Rocky and Kimball, husbands of 25 years who love to explore the world around us and produce a fun travel vlog each week.
From picturesque canals to cozy cafes, we're taking you along for the ride as we navigate the winter wonderland that is Amsterdam. But it's not all hot cocoa and Instagram-worthy moments. Prepare for some real talk as we confront the issue of street trash (not a reference to Kimball) and reflect on how it impacts the city's beauty.
But fear not, there's plenty of joy to be found as well! We'll tantalize your taste buds with scrumptious street eats, including irresistible homemade pancakes from a local vendor. Sorry in advance for coughing powdered sugar all over you.
So grab your scarf and join us on this chilly Amsterdam adventure, where every corner holds a new discovery and every bite is a taste of winter magic.
#AmsterdamWinterVlog #JordaanExploration #StreetEats #WinterWonderland #trashtalk
On The Agenda!
0:00 - Intro
2:26 - Exploring the Stunning Magna Plaza
4:15 - The Streets of the Jordan Neighbourhood in Amsterdam
7:01 - Trash Talking Amsterdam ^_~
8:07 - Kimball's New Car
8:52 - Anne Frank House - we didn't have reservations :(
10:19 - Delicious brunch at 'Bake My Day' Coffee Shop
11:18 - Misc. Nonsense 1
12:57 - Jungle Gym For Adults?
14:28 - Magic Stump and the Skate Park Pool
16:40 - Tour Inside Dille and Kamille Home Goods Store
19:11 - Misc. Nonsense 2
21:37 - Yummy Homemade Pancakes from a Street Vendor
25:04 - Next Week Preview

[@fransezomer]

The trash in Amsterdam is a huge problem, that must be fixed soon. The birds are probably the #1 cause. They open the trash bags with their beeks and throw trash around looking for food. But also the 20 milllion tourists are a huge cause for trash on the streets. You should have seen Amsterdam during Covid. It was truly THE most beautiful city in the world. The streets were so pristine! Greetz from Amsterdam xxx

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine! Hopefully they’ll find a better way to manage that in the coming years. We felt really bad for the residence of the city when we were walking around. But it didn’t stop us from enjoying the city. Thanks so much for watching our video and leaving a comment 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Have a beautiful week. ❤️

[@tuinbuddy3385]

@@RockyandKimball I love your eyes for detail. That is probably why the trash is more annoying than for people who are not using their eyes so well! A reason also is that people are looking for cans with has since about a year have a returning fee (I donnot know the english word, so I am using wrong words. It is only 15 cents. not enough for a lot of people (especial tourists I think) to return them, but enough for poor, maybe homeless people to collect them.

[@RockyandKimball]

That makes sense. I feel like there are a lot of factors at play. We also saw birds opening bags during collection time. And then after collection there was tons of garbage blowing around. Then another crew came to try to clean that up. Overall, it seems like a big challenge to overcome. I think most of what we experienced was leftover trash from collection day. We felt bad for the garbage collectors and residence.

[@ems9097]

this is exactly like Melbourne in australia. it used to be cleaner but the amount of trash these days is just bad. I remember when we were coming out of lockdown, it was clean but now it's quite terrifying how gross, sticky and smelly the streets are. Just sad :(

[@RockyandKimball]

Really sad. Funny enough, we were living in Baltimore Maryland at the time and the trash system plummeted so we had to take our own trash and recycling to recycling and trash centers. At one point there was so much trash that people were driving it to city hall and leaving their bags on the steps. We did that for over a year. It’s so interesting how everyone experienced that time period in a different way. I suppose it’s all just a memory now. 🫠

[@JuniperHedge]

As someone who's health doesn't allow for travel, thank you! ❤🎉

[@RockyandKimball]

You are ALWAYS welcome to come explore with us! Thank you so much for watching and saying hi 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨 We’re going to keep trying to upload new videos each week so the adventures can continue. ❤️

[@lenieamels1270]

Magna Plaza was the old head postoffice of Amsterdam. I worked there long ago.

[@RockyandKimball]

@@lenieamels1270 Hey Lenie! So lovely to meet you! Thanks for watching and taking the time to chat as well 🥰 That’s so interesting. It was a gorgeous building. Has it changed very much since you worked there? We adored Amsterdam so much. What a special city 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@vanniekerkjohannes5568]

Thanks for your exploring show I thoroughly enjoy it 👌💕

[@RockyandKimball]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to chat with us. We’re so glad you enjoyed it. We started the channel in December so we’re still quite new with it, but we’re having a great time. 😎 Have a beautiful week and hopefully we’ll chat again 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@wherethedaytakesyou9337]

Ok I’m binge watching your Vlogs. I just found you guys you guys are great you guys need your own show late night show, I subscribed today on my work tablet today and I’m subscribing today on this phone 👍👍👍 love your videos and great editing

[@RockyandKimball]

Thanks so much for watching and writing us a note! We just started the channel recently so we very much appreciate your support. I respond to all the comments, so please feel free to chat anytime 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Have a wonderful week. ❤️

[@wherethedaytakesyou9337]

@@RockyandKimball looking forward to the next Vlog 👍

[@WavesofStef]

Ok you two, I just had my partner watch with me this week and we both LAUGHED OUT LOUD! You guys are too fun and your editing is so clever and funny. In honor of you both, we went and ate at Nong’s and had the delicious Khao Man Gai!! We totally forgot it as an option. That sauce is still amazing! Thanks for the nudge! PS. They now have 2 restaurants. 😁

[@RockyandKimball]

Aww, we’re so glad you both enjoyed the episode. And we’re both so jealous we can’t eat Nong’s, lmao. Really happy to hear she opened another restaurant! Definitely paying a visit next time we’re there. Thanks again for all your support and have a wonderful week ahead ^_^

[@josephtadlock1615]

Beside the Van Gogh Museum, under the soccer field is an underground supermarket.

[@RockyandKimball]

@@josephtadlock1615 🙀 Really? How fun! Is it nice though 🧐🤓

[@josephtadlock1615]

@@RockyandKimball It was just a large modern grocery store built under the soccer field. I was told that the energy savings on heat alone was huge. To me, it was just novel with its escalator popping out of the ground seemingly going nowhere.

[@maryyoung6380]

This was a fabulous look at Amsterdam. Those leaning buildings were unbelievable! I also think about how Anne Frank walked through this city every single day. There may be street garbage in the city, but Portland has really lost its cleanliness. Portland's graffiti is on the rise like never before. Portland Police just arrested a guy this week who is one of the most prolific taggers in the city BUT, the building owners are now responsible for removing all of this mess or the city will have contractors remove graffiti and at the owner's expense. This is so unfair. I am so happy to see you kids experiencing these great travels and with joy and comedy!! 😂😅 Love you kids!!❤❤

[@RockyandKimball]

Love you, Mare-Mare! 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨 We miss you and think of you often on our travels. 🥰

[@maryyoung6380]

@RockyandKimball Miss you cherubs so much. I know that we will see each other again. I am really enjoying life through your videos. You both look just the same,health, handsome, and very funny. I love the bathroom cleanliness rating with the " Kimmy Count" and all the sound effects, and Kimball's "Charlie Chaplin" side- kick with his leg. The video techniques and musical accompaniment are stellar. Be safe. You two are endangered species!

[@RockyandKimball]

That could be a new pickup line. “Put me on your list, because I’m an endangered species.” Lmao. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@Paul_C]

You know, those hooks are still used and were you to move house you actually use them. Block and tackle to lower heavy items out of the windows down to the street. And the forward leaning houses: It prevents bumping into the wall the nearing street level. 😊

[@RockyandKimball]

I would be really tempted to swing down from the top level to the street, Lol. 🐒

[@gamesgonenuts]

great tour and vlog this was fun smashing the like button

[@RockyandKimball]

Thanks so much! Welcome to the jungle 😎 LOL

[@cgluvs2stamp]

Another fun glimpse of your fun lives! Hubby watched with me this time (he is usually asleep when I’m watching lol). He visited Amsterdam during his army days. He enjoyed watching and reminiscing. 😊

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh that’s awesome! So glad you both enjoyed the episode. Thanks for all your support and loveliness 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨🥰

[@PattiePattie489]

Hi guys..loving all the different art pieces...also loved the Antique shop....I used to do my homework using one of those lanterns with kerosene for lighting.....no electricity beautiful cuddly pics ❤❤

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh! Do you mean the kerosene lamps from the Paris video? I absolutely adored that antique shop. I still have my little owl lock sitting right next to my computer and I look at it every day 🥰 Those kerosene lamps are so fun. I remember going camping with my grandmother when I was young and her using one of those lamps to light our camper as she made fresh bread. 🥖 Good memories. Thanks so much for watching and leaving us a lovely comment, Pattie 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@ems9097]

hi Rocky & Kimball, i just found your channel and am loving your videos. I find your videos unfiltered, showing true colours of the streets whereas alot of other uploaders tend to show pretty filtered shots giving a slightly false sense of what the city actually looks like (if that makes sense!). Subscribed and looking forward to more videos!

[@RockyandKimball]

Aww 🥰, thanks for much for taking the time to watch and chat with us. We’re so glad you’re enjoying the videos. We’re a fairly new channel so we very much appreciate the support. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨 You’re always welcome here. We look forward to chatting more in the future! Have a wonderful weekend ahead. 😎

[@amyandaleks]

We just started a travel KZbin channel as well and yours was recommended to us! You guys are an absolute delight to watch and your editing/audio quality was superb ☺️ We have a lot to learn 😅 Can’t wait to watch more!

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh how fun! Congratulations on starting that. It’s been a crazy journey. Well check out your channel as well! Safe travels to you both! 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@MartijnPennings]

Quick question: can you just walk around Amsterdam for a year filming everything you see and make like 34 more episodes of this, 'cause after two videos I'm already hooked. Butt seriously: great editing and great eye for detail! and I love the way you don't plan anything and just find out what the city throws your way.

[@RockyandKimball]

Thanks so much Martijn 🥰 We definitely could have done a lot more with the right amount of time (and energy, lol). There’s one more Amsterdam video after this and then we’re off to Utrecht. But something tells me we’ll be back to Amsterdam in the not too distant future. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@MartijnPennings]

@@RockyandKimball yeay, looking forward to your next videos! Please come back in the summer! Especially the parks are much nicer then. And of course there's Pride week with the canal parade, first Saturday of August!

[@RockyandKimball]

Okay we’ll see what we can do! Thanks for being so supportive 🥰😎 Have a fabulous wee ahead and look forward to chatting more.

[@MartijnPennings]

@@RockyandKimball I wish you a fabulous wee as well

[@tarimastanaka615]

355 baby 🎉

[@RockyandKimball]

Yayawwww!!! Welcome to the party! 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨🥳👏😆

[@kerrysinigaglia1603]

Your adventures are such fun to watch. The sound effects are everything. 😄 And those bollards are definitely a choice shape😅 And what’s with the giant pool cue pokin* out from the bell tower of the church ??? 🤔 Also…gotta get me some D for the tree. 😅 perfect Xmas ornaments. 😂Can’t wait for more of these adventures. xx

[@RockyandKimball]

Thanks Kerry! So glad you enjoyed. 🥰 I don’t know what’s up with that big stick on the bell tower. Once you’ve seen one big stick you’ve seen them all, I suppose. 😇 Much love from the boys 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@kerrysinigaglia1603]

@@RockyandKimball ✨😊✨💖✨

[@scrapstobeautybyzandra]

Such a beautiful place it's ashame it's filled with so much trash.

[@RockyandKimball]

For sure. Hopefully they’ll be able to find a solution soon so the residence don’t have to experience that all the time. Someone was mentioning that the city was extremely clean during the lockdown. 😬 Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, Zandra. We very much appreciate your support as always 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@pazthakrar9270]

WELL DONE BOYS, JUST DISCOVERED YOU VIA FACE BOOK AND LOVING YOUR JOURNEY X

[@RockyandKimball]

@@pazthakrar9270 Yay! Thanks Paz 🥰 We appreciate any and all support so thank you for watching and taking the time to chat as well. Cheers to many more adventures. 🥂 Have a wonderfaul day and hope to chat soon 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@pazthakrar9270]

@@RockyandKimball Your welcome buddie, you must plan a trip to Birmingham and can show you the high lights ..

[@pazthakrar9270]

PS this was me when I was on a television show, it may make you laugh kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6bde4lmedFnosksi=uOUVpHMiI2l6wh_H

[@RockyandKimball]

@@pazthakrar9270 Thanks so much! We did a beautiful canal walk last year when we stayed at an air bnb ina place called “the cube.” It was all very mysterious but we had a fun explore through high street and around the mall and train station. We will definitely come back sometime. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@maricajakobsson3244]

the steel bollards are recycled canons. The canon ball on top.

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh my gosh, what?! That’s amazing 🤩 Thanks for letting us know 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@triciabrown9328]

I am very impressed with your pancake skills 😂

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh pishaw you Trish. 😆 The lady at the stand was very nice. I feel like I’m still working off all the butter I ate that evening. By the way! How’s your garden looking this time of year? 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@triciabrown9328]

@@RockyandKimball it’s waking up, bit messy but the daffodils and crocuses are starting to flower. 🫶😘😘

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh lovely. Yes, the daffodils and crocuses are in full force down here. They’re probably hoping they don’t get hit with frost lol. Much love! 🥰

[@triciabrown9328]

@@RockyandKimball ❤

[@Pasunsoprano]

The houses are wobbly because the entire city is built in a swamp, on huge wooden poles, which tend to sink. So you can even see houses that have to be supported by special scaffolding so they don't collapse.

[@RockyandKimball]

Okay, that makes so much sense. It sounds like a very similar situation in Venice. It’s incredible how many millions of wood stakes it takes and all the work that went into that. That’s amazing about the scaffolding. I could imagine that being somewhat stressful for homeowners. But I suppose it’s a part of everyday life there. I kind of feel like I would want to purchase the wonkiest home if I could lol. Not that we can afford it. All the best cities are quite spendy 💸 Really appreciate you watching and leaving us a note about this 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@djmstephens1]

Another great vlog. Did you go inside the Anne Frank house museum?

[@RockyandKimball]

Thanks Darcy! 🥰 Sadly no. It was booked out for weeks. When we go back, we’ll make sure to do that WAAAYYYY in advance. We didn’t mind though. There is so much to see in Amsterdam.

[@schiffelers3944]

Partly the buildings are leaning because they are build like that, they also lean on each other, and as Kimball pointed out to get furniture and stuff into the buildings, they often have very steep and narrow staircases in these old buildings. Partly it has to do with the fact that Amsterdam is build upon wooden stakes/poles. Keep in mind 30-40% of the Netherlands is below NAP (sea level) And with the rising sea levels it will only increase how much is below sea level.

[@RockyandKimball]

It seems our favorite cities are built on wooden stakes. That process amazes me and was so much work to achieve. We had the privilege of viewing the inside of one of the homes in Amsterdam and getting furniture through the windows really would be the best way. Can’t imagine getting stuff to the top floors otherwise. Regardless, it’s a gorgeous city with very interesting challenges. But, that’s like so many other places too, I suppose. The people we met all seemed passionate about their city and open to talking about the the things they love and want improved in the city.

[@schiffelers3944]

@@RockyandKimball "Dutch directness" ask our opinion and you will get it... at times even unrequested.

[@RockyandKimball]

LOL, fortunately, everyone struck us as very genuine, down to earth, caring and kind. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

My darlings, there is so much more to do and see in the Netherlands. When it's summer you should visit zeeland. All kinds of beautiful small villages pretty dunes and long beaches ⛱️ don't mind the Germans 🤚. And i half way through but tou didn't visit the gay monument? 😮 and the struikelstones 😢

[@RockyandKimball]

Hey Andre! Thanks for watching and chatting with us 🥰 We tend to wander a bit aimlessly throughout the cities we visit. We walked close to the monument a few times but didn’t know it existed sadly. There’s quite a few things we now know after visiting that we will visit again one day. Either way, we had an incredible time exploring the city and very much enjoyed going back through everything as we made the four Amsterdam videos. What a truly remarkable city. We also had the privilege to visit some other amazing cities in the Netherlands and we’ll be returning soon enough 😎 Thanks for having us! 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@babyjane4ever]

Did you guys also visit the gay monument? It’s on the canal behind the Anne Frank House.

[@RockyandKimball]

Unfortunately we didn’t know of its existence and just passed right by it. Really sad. But we’ve learned a lot about it since and look forward to visiting it and paying our respects next time we’re in Amsterdam. There’s quite a few things we’d love to see when we return. Makes us look forward to another trip sometime down the line. Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment for us 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@zuur303]

Cans and plastic bottles recently got deposits added to them in the Netherlands. Homeless dig through trash looking for them. Ironic since the measure was supposed to reduce trash. 😮

[@RockyandKimball]

Oh wowza 😬 We were talking to the gentleman we rented our airbnb from and he mentioned there were a few things the city did that backfired. Hopefully they’ll be able to resolve that. We felt horrid for the trash collectors having to sort that out. Didn’t stop us from enjoying the city though. It was stunning. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@zuur303]

@@RockyandKimballI live in Utrecht (worth visiting!) but work in Amsterdam and the trash is annoying against such a nice backdrop. Unrelated note: the editing and sound effects are hilarious 🤭

[@RockyandKimball]

Well guess where we’re headed in episode 16? Lol. We REALLY loved Utrecht. I think we filmed enough to make two videos but we’ll see what happens during the editing phase. ^_^ I’m sure you’re going to have so many ideas for where we could have gone! So if you see those videos, please let us know. We kept talking about how we would easily move there, we loved it so much. We stayed in one of the little hobbit hole tunnel homes along the canal near the center.

[@zuur303]

@@RockyandKimball Whoo! How am I not surprised you chose Oudegracht - basically the best spot to experience the inner city? :) From the top of my head some things to see and do (spring or summer time preferably): see/climb Dom Tower and visit the fairly new library in the old 1920's Post Office building - worth going for the central hall alone! De Pijpenlade on that canal is a second hand place with cool stuff. You already experience just walking the canals and wharfs I guess (many cafes). Walk the park surrounding the old moat. In the southern part (Ledig Erf area) you can see a 1900's water tower along the Vaartsche Rijn. It was disused for decades but now hosts a restaurant at the top. In warmer season it has outdoor seating with 360 views of the city. Would require reservations literally months in advance, however. Waterfront bar Gist is one my favourite spots, at LEEN (Asian food) you can eat fried locusts if you want and De Pomp is a nice lunch/coffee place created from a derelict eyesore gas station. Bit further along that street Croeselaan is Gran Cafe Brava that does excellent Spanish food. If the dates line up TivoliVredenburg is an A-class concert venue. Am looking forward to the Utrecht vids!

[@RockyandKimball]

Well just have to wait to see how many spots we visited from your list! 😘 Thanks so much for taking the time to send this through! We’re taking note for next visit. Really appreciate you chatting and sending recos. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

[@schiffelers3944]

7:09 Why? Because of the high loads of tourists and people in Amsterdam.

[@RockyandKimball]

I also learned that they’ve recently offered deposits on recyclables, so many people are going through trash to pull those out and leaving garbage on the ground. We saw a few people doing that on our last day and it started making more sense. But, like you said, the main issue is the massive amount of tourists disrespecting the city. I’m sure the locals aren’t thrilled by it in the slightest.

[@schiffelers3944]

@@RockyandKimball True there are multiple factors that play a part in the trash of a city. Recyclables hunting = poverty issues, we got that too. In total in 2022 Amsterdam had 20.3 Million visitors/tourists, this doesn't include the cruises, but is made up of 13 million (in total) daytrippers... That is a lot of people, people often leave traces of their presence, so to speak. Well as with Venice a different city build on wooden stakes, its not the tourism in general its the amount, and how certain tourists behave. In Amsterdam the British stag nights are a big cause of hinderence, not all off them. But Brits can drink a lot, and get loud and misbehave accordingly. They've gotten a reputation.

[@RockyandKimball]

OMG we saw ads from The Netherlands telling British men not to come! Lmao. I about died laughing. I mean, it’s not funny…but also…it’s hilarious. They do get a bit rambunctious around these parts (we live in England).

[@schiffelers3944]

@@RockyandKimball The adds are funny, "stay away"... it's a love/hate relationship. I've been to Newcastle once - girls also know how to get loud and fight with the police. Dressed up, for going out, like they got a part in the Lady Marmalade music clip. Such fun. Where in England are you living, and is that also where you are born/raised? All humans can get rambunctious if they let lose, in my opinion. But it is fun to play the tourism guessing game: where are they from? See if you can spot their national identity by their behavior and, or how they look and/or are dressed.

[@RockyandKimball]

That’s very true. People in the US can get crazy as well, especially if their sports teams lose, lol. Kimball and I grew up in Idaho in the US. We moved to England for my work in 2022. We live in the English countryside in a market town. It’s kind of out towards Oxford. It’s been a very busy and challenging time but also rewarding. Kimball and I will be happy wherever as long as we’re safe and together. Thanks for the lovely chat ^_^ Have an amazing weekend ahead.