Amsterdam: the two-faced beauty

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After a hectic week in Barcelona with a very much wounded equipo, the team was ready to take on the infamous excitement of Amsterdam. We were to have our own 4 floor apartment which would be a welcome addition after a cramped hostel room no doubt infested with sickness and grunge. Amsterdam would also usher us into the New Year with its long night and grand festival. We found ourselves located in our beautiful apartment only one block from the red Light Disctrict... thankfully we stayed sober to the affects of temptation...

I really liked amsterdam. Strolling through the canaled streets and eating gratuitous amounts of pancakes made life pass by quickly. The main thematic of Dam was the dichotomy between night and day. Day as manifested by the kindness, artsy feel, and gentility of the Dutch, in direct oppostition to the nighttime hedonism of the tourist-only Red Light District. We didn't encounter any Americans really while in Amsterdam. I'd like to call it the Vegas of Europe... what happens there certainly stays there for most. With no lack of drinking, smoking, or sexuality, Amsterdam is a geyser of hedonism for travelers interested in the most unique of vacations. I found it to me quite seedy at night, with numerous offers for drugs by men on every corner, and the subjecting (although somewhat tempting) seductive passes of the prostitutes behind their glass windows.

But all this can be avoided. Only a few blocks away from the Red Light can be found comfortable streets with small children roaming comfortably and safely. Do you want Dr. Jekyl, Mr. Hyde, or a bit of both?

Calendar of events

Tuesday Dec. 30th:
- arrive from Barca on plane. very tired
- find apartment, relax
- out to food; mackerel and herring for me
- quick drink out at night

Wednesday 31st:
- Bike ride around a bit
- flea, Aaron buys tomato jumpsuit for New years
- amazing soup shop
- Coffee Shop
- New Years in Dam Square and late night party at Sugar Factory club

Thursday January 1st:
- Wake up late
- movies
- i go for job around town
- Explored red light, resisted temptation

Friday 2nd:
- Last day as a team
- Out to an epic pancake breakfast
- Van Gogh museum
- Nap time
- finish day with a quick drink
- waffles & bedtime

Saturday 3rd:
- team left at 9am
- sleep till 11
- afternoon train to Brussels

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Photos

Seth's roller bag
he was the only one without a "sac a dos"

Classic Amsterdam
More Amstel canals