Sex, drugs, and great art museums. Can you pick the one that does not belong? Amazingly enough, in Amsterdam, all three seem to perfectly exist side by side. Even though I had been to Amsterdam a few years ago, I did not remember all that well. This past weekend, I learned that all the rumors about Amsterdam are true. Marijuana is legal and “coffee shops” on every corner sell a lot of it! I know you are wondering if we participated in this local tradition…I will keep you guessing on that one! You cannot go to Amsterdam and not take a stroll through the Red Light District. There has been talk of the city getting rid of this famous area but I can assure that it is still alive. 24 hours a day you can see the scantily clad “ladies of the night” sitting in windows waiting for business. These windows never seem to end…there and streets and alleys full of them. One of our travel books estimated the number of working prostitutes in Amsterdam to be over 10,000! And no, we did not participate in this tradition (although Jignesh did inquire about prices from a few ladies)!
Ok, so I know everyone knows about the sex and drugs but if you can stop thinking about those things you might be interested (or maybe not) to know that there are some great museums (Van Gogh, Anne Frank House). I have to admit, though, that we skipped the museums and opted for the canal boat tour instead. We both just needed some relaxation and did not want to think too much. Even though I am not big a fan of tourist traps, the canal tour was a great way to see the city…you could get on and off at 14 different stops. I also really likes the flower market. The range of flowers there is amazing...they had flowers I have never seen before..and they were so cheap. You could buy a 20 beautiful roses for about $12.00!
Overall, my thoughts on Amsterdam are mixed. The canals are beautiful and the legalized sex and drugs are undoubtedly entertaining but it is very dirty and crowed city. The best thing about Amsterdam? The questions is easy…spending time with Jignesh. Things have been very hectic with him working in The Netherlands since we got here so it was night to just see him and not have to worry about running around looking at curtains!
Cheers!
Ok, so I know everyone knows about the sex and drugs but if you can stop thinking about those things you might be interested (or maybe not) to know that there are some great museums (Van Gogh, Anne Frank House). I have to admit, though, that we skipped the museums and opted for the canal boat tour instead. We both just needed some relaxation and did not want to think too much. Even though I am not big a fan of tourist traps, the canal tour was a great way to see the city…you could get on and off at 14 different stops. I also really likes the flower market. The range of flowers there is amazing...they had flowers I have never seen before..and they were so cheap. You could buy a 20 beautiful roses for about $12.00!
Overall, my thoughts on Amsterdam are mixed. The canals are beautiful and the legalized sex and drugs are undoubtedly entertaining but it is very dirty and crowed city. The best thing about Amsterdam? The questions is easy…spending time with Jignesh. Things have been very hectic with him working in The Netherlands since we got here so it was night to just see him and not have to worry about running around looking at curtains!
Cheers!
2 comments:
Hi Guys!
Sex and legalized marijuana - some might call that "heaven"!!! The pictures are great, wish you guys were in them. Hope that the long weekend in Amsterdam was relaxing for you both. I'm sure you will have an opportunity another time to take in the museums. Will Jiggy be in The Netherlands much longer, or back to London?
I might have to go over there and visit... you know to look at the flowers... because my mom is a florist...
Anyways, hope you guys have enough time to enjoy everything over there. It would be nice to see pictures of you guys in this blog sometime also...
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