The ride through this part of Europe calls to mind what the buildings and land have witnessed. WWII raged through this region ie Antwerp was vital to the success of D-Day. Then there are medieval churches in the distance, their Gothic spires rising above the trees. The train zips by fully functioning cow, goat and pig farms, solar paneled garages, equestrian rings and towns both old and new. Also many solar windmills throughout the four hour journey.
We got off the train in the city's main station, Amsterdam Central and caught a shuttle to our hotel, the Movenpick. It was in the low 40s and the wind off the water was brutal. Checked in, gathered our dirty clothes and headed across the Amstel canal to find a laundromat.
Boca pub was the first place we came to that had more than bar food and indoor seating. The place was crowded with a vibrant mix of people who spoke a variety of languages. Carolyn ordered a burger with three kinds of fries on the side, and I had a salad. I don't know what it is about potatoes but the Dutch have nailed the perfect fry. We had the clothes in the dryer before our food arrived, and they were ready by the time we wiped the last of the ketchup from our mouths.
Amsterdam is a city of cyclists. Two-thirds of the population use bicycles and motorcycles for their main transportation. They even have their own lane!!! It is wise to look both ways before crossing a street for cars, bikes, and motorcycles. And it is a good idea to attune your hearing to horns, whistles, and even horse hooves. Unfortunately, these narrow cobblestone streets were designed for foot and hoof traffic, so safety means making room and giving way to things that will not hesitate to run you over; Dutch peoples' personalities change when they get behind the wheel....and not for the better.
After breakfast, Carolyn and I met up with our group in the lobby. Our tour guide, Marieke, led us across the canal to the Red Light District (more on that later). To get there, however, we had to pass several coffee houses and special bakeries (wink, wink) These are places where you can buy weed as freely as a latte. You can buy edibles, smoke it, or vape it. Amsterdam is, in essence, a giant head shop. The smell of weed smoke hangs in the air, and I imagine during particular times like say Saturday, it would be easy to get a buzz just by walking around the block.
An interesting fact about structures built in Amsterdam is that pilings had to be dug as far down as 35 feet. Over the centuries, the soil often shifted due to the sea level issue, causing the houses to tilt. So don't be alarmed and think you've gotten wasted if you see houses leaning off to one side, you're okay, but the house is leaning.
Back to Amsterdam's openness with weed ... if that level of unfettered indulgence doesn't bother you, I bet making eye contact with a nearly naked, young woman in a window will burn itself into your memory. Imagine our surprise when we rounded the corner into an alley and were suddenly standing in front of Stephanie (according to the name on the sign in the window), who was very proud of her....merchandise. In De Wallen - the Red Light District, prostitution is not only legal, the sex-workers pay income tax, get free health checks, and they are protected by the police. It's still exploitative and sad. Tour after tour passes thru the district to look at the workers but starting next year no tours will be allowed.
Lastly, we ended up in Dam Square which is home to a National Monument honoring the victims of WWII.
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| National Monument for WWII Victims |
Lol on your 'Dutch peoples comment'. Yep that is me, but behind car wheels. I think I am pretty relaxed when on bike ...
ReplyDeleteThank you for these great stories and pictures.
Your welcome. Having fun sharing it!!!! Love Amsterdam.
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