gingerbread
The main things I remember about Amsterdam are the smell of cabbage, the dark refreshing rain, the fear of walking on what you think is a footpath and constantly hearing ‘bring bring’ at your heels from a cyclist, and the amazing stacked up buildings like gingerbread houses.
The first time we ate out it felt like we were in someone’s home in a lovely little pancake place for Porkschnitzel (spelling) and wine. It was full of character and yes, it too smelled of cabbage, a smell that now takes me back to Amsterdam.
The first night out was pretty heavy. Went to a blues bar first where a middle aged man was obviously a bit worse for wear, and I don’t just mean on alcohol, and waltzed around the place on his own oblivious to everyone else. Half of me couldn’t stop giggling and the other half thought “Go mister! You enjoy yourself!”
The night spiralled from there into a bit of a blur, well you have to experience Amsterdam for it’s fame don’t you? Especially when it’s a novelty like a kid in a sweet shop but more like an adult in a muffin shop. The walk home to the hostel was a bit of a miracle in the pouring rain and with no sense of direction but we somehow made it home unscathed.
The next day, feeling less than fresh, we relaxed on a canal boat, which is the best way to get a feel of the city, it’s murky waters and skinny but enchanting buildings.
The Van Gogh museum was well worth it too. I am an art lover but I must admit that I was in a rush to see his famous works because of the few days I had in Amsterdam so I legged it up to the top floor to skip all the reading. I know. I’m ashamed.
The next stop had to be the red light district but I’m glad we went before dark because the horny men and ‘special’ offers were a bit full on.
The women in the windows were fascinating. They just open the doors, chuck the guy out, start smiling again and look for the next one. They were polite to us fellow chicks giving an understanding smile that said: “ ah, sightseeing” which I was quite surprised at.
The trip back to the hostel this time was perculiar and we started to get de ja vous and realised we were not in a time warp we had come this way the night before but it was the opposite direction to where we were that night hence the MIRACLE of getting home.
The shopping was cool, and I saw the biggest wall of pick and mix sweets!!
I would like to go back for longer and maybe hire a bike and go out of town next time. It’s definitely a place that begs to be explored.
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