I've gotten into the habit of walking around with my iPod cranked up - whether it's music or a podcast, I can't get enough of all the information and entertainment that's available to me. But in the process I've realized that I've become removed from the world around me. The other day, I neglected to attach the headphones, and ended up hearing the enchanting sounds of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has noise, of course, but you tend to tune it out after some time has gone by. But now, because of my break, I was suddenly aware of car engines and murmuring pedestrians, but also the sound of horse hoofs on pavement, pigeons wings flapping as they narrowly escaped death, and bike bells ringing at all of the above.

Listening to music is sometimes a nice escape, but f you've made this a habit, don't forget to re-immerse yourself in the sounds of Amsterdam from time to time.