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Published: February 23rd 2009
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Whether it was the fact that our Hostel was in the CENTER of the Red Light District, the fact that one of the random people staying in our room referred to us as "Fresh Blood", the fact that I got over 60 Euros worth of free drinks, or the fact that I showered today for the first time since last Thursday, this weekend was surely one I will (unfortunately) never forget.
Quick note: I had an AMAZING TIME! Everything just added to the sketchiness of the experience.
Friday morning the flat awakes at 4:30am for the arrival of our 5:15am taxi. He arrives at 4:55am, and kept wondering when we would be ready. Now two things: 1) it was amazing a taxi cab arrived early, but 2).....5:15am, means 5:15am....chill.
We get to Amsterdam and head directly to our hostel. Well....in order to arrive, we have to walk past the women in windows trying to get us to purchase their services (more on this later), the drunkards who are just getting back from a night of partying, and all of the people who partook in illegal substance consumption. (as I learned on a 3-hour FREE walking tour, marijuana is
actually 100% illegal in Amsterdam, but due to the high amount of tourist money it brings in, it is tolerated). So once we pass all of that we arrive at what would become our residence for the next 3 days, our hostel.
We walk into our 12-person mix room. That means 12 beds, but we are only a party of 7. We open to the door to see the awful conditions of the room. Its reminded me a really cheap dorm room. A guy, about 24, walks in as we are putting our stuff down: "Oooo fresh blood." ....yes, that was what he referred to us as. Turns out....he is loving Amsterdam, and would like to go back home to Ireland to visit, but can't. There is a warrant out for his arrest, so if he went back he would be taken in.
Now all of Saturday night I pretended to be from Oregon. So he could have totally made all of that up. Either way, it was a great beginning.
Friday was actually a great day, because we got so much done! We started out getting some chips (french fries) from a place called "Chipsy King",
it was delicious! Then we headed to the Anne Frank house. I calculated that the museum makes about 4,100 Euros each day. There is always a 30 minute wait outside. Its crazy. The house itself was very interesting and we were all extremely happy that we got to go. It is emotional, informative, and truly gives you a much better idea of the reality they were faced with.
Being in Amsterdam (sometimes known as Pamsterdam after Pammy), our next stop was the Sex Museum. Going from the Anne Frank house to that was quite a culture shock to say the least. It was very in-your-face, but I'll save the details for private conversations with you later. Let's just say....check it out. And if you have children under 12 they offer a discount ....(just kidding!!!)
After that, we toured the city and explored our new location. We found a great bar where the following night....all excitement and a crazy dance party would be started (plus the free drinks!).
When we got back to the hostel at night, I think we all slept with one eye open.
Saturday officially arrived and we were still alive! haha...not, but seriously.
The day started off with a trip to the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. It was quite interesting...and extremely small. We then grabbed lunch at "The Pancake Bakery." I got a tomato and cheese pancake (it wasn't pizza) but it WAS delicious!!!!!!!! I want one right now!!!!!!!!!!! See attached picture. Oh yea, and I got this very delicious tea and rum (I'm living up my new legal status). We then hopped onto a boat and took an hour and a half canal ride exploring the canals and locations of Amsterdam. It was quite relaxing and very enjoyable.
After walking around some more, it was time to go out!!! (Unfortunately, you will have to wait until the next entry to hear all about it, and a great/sketchy end to our trip).
Trivia Answer: Union Jack
Trivia Question: Do not look it up....Amsterdam is in what country?
Londoner,
Sir Darren Nigel Goldberg III of Maida Vale (finally back home to L-town!)
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Lady Addie Jane of Monroe
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I know the answer! Tara , I won't beat you to the answer this time. : ) Here's my question - which famous artist's work is in a museum in Amsterdam and Darren did you go there?