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Loading ...A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT AMSTERDAM
Posted by Sunny
The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam. You have probably all heard of it as it has quite a reputation. You can’t mention Amsterdam without mentioning its seedy side and it’s rather laid back attitude to drugs. But Amsterdam is more than this. It is very pretty and picturesque. Lovely tall narrow houses, canals and barges. Not to mention countless bicycles, a lovely flower market and an abundance of sidewalk cafes and restaurants
Damrak is the main street and leads to the famous Dam Square. To the left of Damrak is the rather seedy “red light district”. Everyone goes here to see the weird and wonderful things in the sex shops, to visit the sex museum and of course to see the “ladies” in their windows. If you don’t know you have wandered into the “red light area” you soon will if you take a casual glance at any of the front windows in the houses there. This can be quite a shock to the system if you aren’t expecting it so don’t take your granny there on her trip to see the tulips of Holland. Or for that matter your granddad. You might just finish the poor old soul off. Not that the flesh on display is much more than your average European beach it is just the shock of it being sort of laid out for all to see.
Also beware when looking for a coffee shop. Don’t ask for one if you just want a cup of coffee ask for a cafe. “Coffee shop” appears to be the accepted place to buy drugs. Which you may be looking for but on the off chance you are not remember “CAFE”.
Right we have that part of Amsterdam dealt with. The rest of it is just as interesting. Near the red light district is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), Amsterdam’s oldest and biggest church. Then look for Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40, by the canal. Look out for the steps leading up to the entrance of the Museum Amstelkring, otherwise known as ‘Our Lord in the Attic Church’. Here is probably one of the world’s most unusual churches that is still in use. It is actually in the attic of several houses. It had to be hidden from the Calvinists as it is a Catholic Church. It is quite beautiful and well worth the climb to view it. Another must see in Amsterdam is the “Anne Frank Huis”. I think most people have heard of her and if not she is well worth looking up and viewing the house is a very moving experience. A definite must see.
The City has some great museums, a particular favourite is the Maritime Museum. If you are into art the City abounds in galleries and Museums and you should allow a fair amount of time for viewing because there is an enormous amount to be seen. Also of interest is the shopping here. The style is amazing. Great clothes, antiques, ceramics, jewelry, diamonds of course and furnishings. You may want to arrange to ship things home. I know I did. My downfall was the antique market and antique shops and the light fittings which were so stylish I just couldn’t resist no matter how difficult it is to get a chandelier home!
My final word on Amsterdam is a word of advice. Beware of pick pockets. I don’t know what the police do there as they aren’t out catching drug dealers but they certainly aren’t doing much to deter pick pockets. So don’t wear your best jewelry or carry your camera openly. A money belt would be a good idea and dress casually rather than expensively, leave the Rolex at home. This probably applies to most major cities but as I live in sleepy old Malta I forget what a wicked place the outside world is!!
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