Trips: Amsterdam August 2009

David Cogswell > Trips > Amsterdam August 2009
8/6/2009 To 8/12/2009
A couple of nights on the Avalon Creativity, boarding at Amsterdam, a quick ride to Volendam, Netherlands, for a christening, then three nights in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam I walked around the city for hours and hours. It's unbelievably beautiful and sweet. The canals are gorgeous, all different. The bikes, the houseboats, the flowers, the leaning buildings are wonderful to behold. It is a sweet place just to be. The famous Red Light District is a pleasant place to walk even for a married couple just out on the town. It's not terribly raunchy or overt as you might expect. I was actually surprised how low-key the district is. The working girls just pose discreetly in their windows like live mannekins. They are provocatively dressed, but they are dressed, and it's not too shocking to the sensibilities of regular tourists walking around sightseeing. Many couples and people who obviously have no interest in participating in prostitution walk around taking in the sights or conduct business there normally. There are stores and homes just like any other neighborhood. It's surprisingly normal. The Ryksmuseum is on the list of must-sees, though now it's under renovation and only a selection of the museum's holdings are on display. It's way more than enough to take in a day anyway, and more concentrated than when the museum is at full operating capacity. The Van Gogh Museum is also something that should not be missed. It's truly amazing and will increase your appreciation for Van Gogh even if you already adore his work. And the Anne Frank Museum: long lines, crowded, poorly lit -- but don't miss it. It will give you something to think about that will change your perspective on your life. To think that that building along the beautiful canal was once a place that imprisoned a brilliant and soulful little girl just because she was Jewish really twists the mind. One tip for traveling around Amsterdam: be very alert. You will quickly get used to the fact that cars, bikes and trains may come hurtling at you at any moment from unexpected directions.
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8/6/2009
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