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Published: September 5th 2006
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Hey everyone, yet another interesting blog update from your biggest fans!
Well, after all the R&R in Belgium, we needed to undertake some serious (mis)adventures so it was off to Amsterdam, the land of cheese and dykes (the water ones).
We arrived Friday after travelling on the Benelux train service - one ticket can get you on as many journeys as you like between Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg - highly organised!
On the way we stopped in Antwerp, Belgium's large port city and the home of the diamond. It was nice but we could only window shop - I'm sure we will be back to make a purchase at some stage 😉
Arriving in Amsterdam we struck a huge throng of people heading off in all directions at central station, i guess its busy on Friday evenings. We were lucky enough to be able to stay with my cousin Tommy and Linda because the accomodation prices are extremely high in the central city, which is really quite small.
Amsterdam is hard to describe, for those that have been there you will know what I mean, and for those who haven't been: get on yer bike! (And
One for the guys
(and the bananabar for Mark) there are about a million bikes to choose from).
It has two distinct parts to it: first it is a beautiful city with wonderfull history, buildings, museums and artists and the most awesome canals running through it. A great place for the oldies to visit for the history stuff and all that.
Secondly they are legally allowed to sell certain drugs here and prostitution is also legal. So Amsterdam attracts huge numbers of people, mainly from Britain, that wish to partake in stag weekends, hens nights or any party-type activity that involves drug taking of some form or another. Marijuana and magic mushrooms are available to purchase at 'coffee' houses through out the city, and all other drugs are illegal, but whilst walking around you soon understand that other substances are readily available to the discerning customer.
This all makes for an interesting mix of people in a small place. There are the oldies, mainly German, looking at old stuff, young Brits looking to get off their heads, seedy people looking to sell you all sorts of mind bending concoctions and people like us, in the middle laughing at all the others in their quest to get
It's a car park for bikes...
...apparently one bike is stolen every few seconds in Holland. their little piece of Amsterdam magic. The place was a real eye opener especially for Sarah who was disturbed at the red light district with the women in the windows and the freak / sex shows that they have (TRUE - I kept thinking that they're all somebody's sister / daughter, & they way the guys treat them & every other female walking in the street... it's bloody sad - Sarah). It's like an experiment to see how humans would behave if they were left to partake in whatever it is they want to partake in.
On the whole I think most Amsterdamians are wonderful but there is a real seedy undertone where anything goes!! You have to visit it to see for yourself.
Anyway we had a great time with Tom and Linda and I even got to see the Rugger at an Aussie bar and laugh at them. Thanks heaps Tom and Linda we really appreciated it and you are very welcome to visit us in London, when we find a place. Good luck back in NZ this summer!
We headed back to Brussels from Amsterdam to a new fridge full of fine beer, thanks
to François getting carried away at the supermarket again! Speaking of which we must wholeheartedly thank Christine and François for your awesome hospitality - we had a great great time and look forward to seeing you guys again.
It was then back to Paris and on to Strasbourg on the 25th August for the big wedding and much local Alsacian fare and beer, BUT... we will write about that trip next time!!!
Until then, Ka kite, and be good to your Mums.
Scott and Sarah xx
PS: if you're having trouble sending us a message, you can send your emails to scottiruss@gmail.com - we like getting news from home (hint hint)!
PPS: Caron - special request for you to please print these out & take them to Bobby! He asked us especially to remind you 😉
PPPS: "Buggeur" about the rugby, and a special mention to Dave Morton - we didn't talk about the food this time, I know you'll be gutted, Rebecca told me heheh.
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non-member comment
juste une fois sur return, merci !
Sarah j'ai reçu 84 fois le message fait quelque chose pour que ça n'arrive plus. je vous souhaite de belles journées à Nîmes. Bises PAPA