Amsterdam Hotels
|
  | |  |
it smells funny here.... and why am I so hungry?
Entry 54 of 57 | show all | print this entry |
|
My sister's brilliant plan to get me out of the way as the movers finished up was to ship me off for a couple days sightseeing in Amsterdam. No complaints here, so I jumped on another train through the German countryside on my way to The Netherlands. After a brief stop and a tantalizing view of a fantastic gothic cathedral in what I later learned was Cologne, I passed into lands dotted with modern windmills and crisscrossed with large canals. Must be getting closer. The train pulled into Amsterdam and I made my way to my last minute booking, a 10 bed dorm in an otherwise normal looking hotel. Oh well it was cheap and breakfast was included.
Walking around Amsterdam I was immediately reminded a bit of Venice, solely due to the extensive canal network that runs through the city and how charming it looks, an illusion shattered the first time you get a multiple bike bells angrily rung in your direction to get out of the way, you are walking on a bike pathway not a sidewalk. I actually was very impressed at the integration of roads, bike paths, sidewalks, and canals that makes this city unique and friendly to all kinds of traffic. With the narrow streets and likely sparse parking it is easy to see why bikes make sense... but unlike other places, this city recognizes that and makes it very easy to get around by bike. Or maybe I was simply in a more relaxed, accepting mood due to the fumes wafting from every 'coffee' shop I walked past. This is the pot capital of Europe (maybe the world) and there are plenty of shops that capitalize on it.
Other than the touristy t-shirts and gimmicky souvenirs and the occasional whiff it wasn't that big of a deal. I also wasn't too impressed by the renowned red light district. Yes there are a bunch of sex shops all in one area, and prostitutes at night. The only difference is they stand in lit red windows to entice passerby instead of on the streets themselves. The area itself was relatively small and less overwhelming than similar areas I previously described in Thailand. A bit disturbing since in reality it is window shopping for sex. There is a move to get rid of the red light district and replace the prostitutes in the windows with mini fashion displays by various designers, which there were already a few of. It was pretty ridiculous going from red-window-framed-prostitute, to designer-dress-and-handbag, to red-window-framed-prostitute. I will be infinitely surprised if that tactic works.
For my one full day there I made my way first to the Anne Frank House, luckily arriving very close to opening time since the line rapidly increased to the entire block on which it stands. There was a very palpable sense of history to the place and it was a very moving tribute to human spirit as well as a profound sense of anger at what occurred. Even though the house remains unfurnished, it is still a tiny place to be hidden for years, and what a tragedy to have been found so shortly before the city was liberated (about a month). Only the father Otto Frank survived and it is overwhelming to imagine his grief when he returned, learned his entire family had been killed or died, and found the diary.
Error: Photo does not exist in this entryThe afternoon I spent at the Van Gogh museum, and was surprised to learn that Van Gogh only started painting late in life, and only worked for 10 years as an artist. It did a great job tracing the development of his style and progression of his skills. It did not have some of his most famous works but was still a good exhibition. And it is inspiring that someone older with no formal training was able to push the boundaries of art and became a recognized master, although he did have a supportive family who sponsored his career and some well known tutors to help his development.
Not much detail but really I was there for a very short time. A very laid back city (go figure) with plenty of fun diversions for all tastes.
Books: Something to Die For by James Webb. Written by a Virginia congressman. Not good.
Latest Comments (2)
|
Re: Good post! (reply)
May 3, 2008 14:14 EST by g_shook
thanks for the compliment! I've enjoyed writing them- this is a great site.
Garrett
--------------------------------------------
In reply to:
Very nicely flowing, informative post. I like your ideas on the 'window shopping' for sex. Good to see.
Louise Brown
TravelPod Community Mananger
|
|
Good post! (reply)
Apr 25, 2008 14:33 EST by starlagurl
Very nicely flowing, informative post. I like your ideas on the 'window shopping' for sex. Good to see.
Louise Brown
TravelPod Community Mananger
|
 Post a new comment |
|
If you like this entry, search for other entries from Noord-Holland, Netherlands or try a new search. |
| |
Back to Entry - Back to Home
|
3 votes 
