Goedemorgen Amsterdam

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Amsterdam Day 1

I woke up super early and left my Dublin life behind. It was bittersweet leaving that dirty ol’ town that I have grown to love but I will be back at the end of my journey for the final goodbye that I am sure will be far more difficult. For now my attention is towards my adventures to come rather than the ones I have left behind.

The flight to Amsterdam was quick and easy. I arrived just after noon and sussed out a hostel to stay in for the first night. I got a room at the flying pig, which is the backpackers’ hostel for 20 somethings such as me. I dropped off my bag and made my way back out to the city to have a look around. My first few thoughts… 1) everyone speaks English, 2) holy bikes batman, 3) could there be any more water!?!?, and 4) I love the peeks of the houses.

I began wandering along the canals, it is pretty hard to get lost as the city is like a semi-circular grid based on the canals. I wandered along to where Ann Frank’s house was, which I had previously decided I wanted to go into but when I arrived there they seemed to have updated the exterior building and it really turned me off from wanting to go in. It was all glass windows and modern-esq which made it feel less real to me so I changed my mind and headed for the sex museum instead…lol At least I was going to get what I expected there. Sexmuseum was as expected but rather funny at times with mannequins that jump out from behind doors and flash you, and butts on walls that fart on you.

After a few hours of walking I headed back to the hostel for a quick nap and then went back out in the evening to check out the infamous red light district. The area was interesting to see. The men were crowding windows with girls in bikinis and lingerie undoing a string here and lift a piece there, trying to entice the men to join them in their window box. One man did enter and the curtain quickly closed to allow for business to begin. My favourite part was the small canal that ran down the middle of the district that was packed to the brim with sleeping swans. There had to be at least 70 of these elegant creatures nestling in for the night while other creatures were making a living doing far from elegant acts.

I wandered about a while taking photos of the city at night. I really enjoy large cities at night as they tend to have a peace about them. I made my way back to the hostel and called it a night.

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Photos

Bike park
This is the bike parking lot! It is absolutely insane to see so many bikes

Amsterdam 005
Many people live on their boats on the canal. This person acually had a sofa hanging from a beam as a swinging chair.

Amsterdam 012
Strange clock

Comments

[Kathy Kisielowski]

who hat et er may....
...that means how are you?, in dutch...not spelt like that btw..only the English phonetics! Didn't you find the red light district a bit cheesy?!? I thought it was kind of funny! Anyway, if your still there.....I would really recommend the Ann Frank House....the museum is filled with lots of interesting things and you see where she hid. I really liked it. Do the Heiniken Brewery tour for some fun....I don't know if they still have it ...but it was $2 when I was there and they give you munchies and as much beer as you can drink in 45 minutes....it's all coming back...oh, and the Van Gogh museum too......oh, I wish I was with you. Anyway, glad your discovering the world! I've got a new job now working at a Bailiff office, 2 to 3 days a week. It's good, busy, interesting and it's on Rougemount.....so, when the weather gets warmer I can walk. Anyway,stay safe and clear of those eet cafes! ;) wishing you a lot of fun, Kath

[Cathie Lutes]

Amsterdam
You've hit the pavement and wasted no time I see by the pic's , looks great and I cannot believe how many bikes/cyclists there are. Are you going to rent one to see any of the sites. cheers to adventures and discoveries ahead of you in this stretch of your travels. Be safe ! I just have to say that out loud to you. Mom