On our way to Istanbul, we were lucky enough to have a LONG layover in Amsterdam. Therefore, we thought, why not explore another city?
So, from my, allbeit, short, trip to Amsterdam, my judgement is positive! It's a very dualistic city.
On the one hand, there are lots of cultural things to do there. We went to the Anne Frank house, which is historical and moving, and definitely worth seeing. There's also the Van Gogh museum, which we unfortunately didn't have the time to see. The canals are gorgeous, and of course, the tulips. There's definitely a lot of touristic things for the culturally minded. And bikes, there was a three floor parking garage for bikes...I have never seen so many bikes in my life.
And on the other hand, there are those things that you can only find in Amsterdam. For example, metal canisters to pee in on the street. And of course, the red light district. You're forbidden from taking pictures there, but really? And here's what my Amsterdam tourist pamphlet says about coffee shops: "Any place that classifies itself a coffee shop is saying three things: 1. I have pot and hash for you to buy. 2. For the price of a coffee, you may sit here and smoke your own as well. 3. You may smoke on my outdoor terrace, even in front of the police." This obviously, make Amsterdam and interesting place, and attractive to some different types of tourists.
What surprises me most about all of this, is how peacefully these two parts of Amsterdam interact and coexist. It's just all a part of life there, the cops and the prostitutes, the gays and the straights, the history and all the rest. The city has its own unique vibe.
If all these things can coexist in one city, why can't we all coexist just as peacefully?
well that just sounds like a wonderful place if I have ever head of one!
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