Impressions of Amsterdam
Written: Jul 11 '01 (Updated Feb 26 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lovely and lively city streets, great museums, live and let live attitudes, friendly locals
Cons: Permissive attitudes toward sex and drugs might disgust conservative travelers. Unpredictable spring weather.
The Bottom Line: Recommended to art lovers, tulip fans, city people, and the open minded traveler. If the thought of open prostitution and drug use disgusts you, skip it!
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| scenery's Full Review: Amsterdam |
I'm not going to sugar coat it, my first day in Amsterdam was a living hell. Jet-lagged and cranky from an awful flight, I hoped the kind taxi driver would plunk me right into the Amsterdam of my travel books; blue skies, charming canal houses, and spring tulips. As the driver slowed in front of the 1970's architectural monstrosity that was to be my hotel, I began rapidly losing faith. I stepped out of the cab, and immediately the icy wind swirled around me, and the black sky began dumping hail and rain. Things can only get better, right? Soaked to the bone, I dragged my bags to the front desk. A smiling girl informed me that I couldn't check in for another four hours.
Ok, so now I will spare you all of the miserable details of wandering around, soaking wet, in a bland business district for hours and I will try to get to the good stuff. I was finally able to check in to my very clean but tacky room (looked to be decorated by Austin Powers) and get into some dry clothes. It was all uphill from here. The sun came out of hiding, and I had a canal cruise and cocktails to look forward to in a few hours. And boy, did I need a cocktail.
The boat cruised us away from the dull area and into the Historic Amsterdam I wanted to see. Old canal houses crowded the streets, house boats bobbed gently in the water as we passed, and the beauty of the city revealed itself. We docked next to the Rembrandthous, the restored home of the great artist. Full of wine and cheese, and walking Rembrandt's hallways, things looked much more promising.
When you visit Amsterdam you will experience beauty and ugliness. There is great beauty to be found in the city's museums. The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, even the Hash Museum. (If that's your thing) The Red Light district (we'll get to that soon) even boasts a Sex Museum. My favorite days in the city consisted of wandering the charming cobblestone streets during the day, stopping to check out some art, and visiting the seedier side of life at night for fascinating people watching.
Now to the famed Red Light District. In one of the oldest sections of town, I found the red glow of many windows and women of every shape, size, and color writhing seductively in the windows and wearing lingerie.(a local told me that some of the women were not even women- I couln't tell, though!) On the streets there was a party atmosphere, packed with people ducking in and out of "live sex shows", bars, smoking coffee shops, and restaurants. Many people simply strolled in the streets, taking in the wildness of it all. Despite the visible police presence, there are drug dealers here, chanting, "Ex-tee-cy" and "Via-AAAH-gra!" Use your street smarts.
Another favorite of mine was the Keukenhof gardens. A short trip by bus, and I felt like Dorothy arriving in a technicolor OZ. Thousands of tulip bulbs stretched on as far as I could see- in every color of the rainbow. Paths led to lakes, fountains, swans, and even an old windmill. It was absolutely gorgeous. The horrible plane trip was worth these gardens alone!
The Nitty Gritty getting around town to all of the sights was easy by walking, biking, or tram. The food was generally very good, and the locals friendly and helpful. Smoking coffee shops(hash and pot plus cakes and brownies) were abundant for those who choose to indulge. Fun shopping, and lovely flower shops made a dent in my wallet. There is virtually no language barrier, Amsterdammers speak better English than many Americans.
Like in any city, you must watch out for pickpockets and deal with street noise. This is Europe, so non-smoking areas are rare.
Trip Tips
1. Pack an umbrella, warm raincoat, gloves, and boots-even in Spring. Remember you are near the North Sea!
2. Buy a good map and study it before you go. Without it, Amsterdam will look like a maze of narrow streets and canals.
3. Research your hotel carefully. Make sure it is near the attractions you are most interested in.
4. Heed the "dings." Amsterdam is full of bicyclers and bike paths. If a biker rings his bell get out of the way quickly or risk disaster.
5. Eat some pancakes. They are delish. Also try the local frites with mayo if you dare!
6. Relax and have fun. Try on the local "live and let live" attitude for size and see how it fits. (If the hookers and drugs bother you, just pass them by and admire the old architecture, churches, flowers, antique shops, etc.)
The Conclusion Despite the awful first day, I am planning a return visit, and choosing my hotel more carefully!
(These were my general impressions, but I plan to reveiw more specific attractions in the future)
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
scenery
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Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 65 members
About Me:
Wading through potty reviews...
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