The Netheregions (Part 2): Amsterdam

On our first day in Holland, running on only a few hours of sleep over the past few days, we trained our selves over to the capital, and one of the most famous cities in Europe: Amsterdam.

Known for it's LOVELY canals, and bridges, Amsterdam is a city built on water.  The stunning architecture of all the old homes and shops only highlights the beauty of the canals.   Well those and the quaint boats.  And the swans.

Amsterdam is also known for Tulips, and Tulip Mania of the 1600's. (Tulips became a highly sought after commodity, going for the equivalent of multiple thousands of U.S. dollars for just one bulb.  Similar to the California housing bubble, the Tulip bubble burst one day, leaving people with... just tulips. And DEBT.)  Thanks to the Dutch tulip fame, we got to enjoy strolling through the delightful bloemenmarkts. 

I know those aren't tulips.  It's not tulip season.  But look what IS in bloom!

Don't forget the cheese! Dutch cheese shops are heaven on earth. A treat for the eyes, nose, and taste-buds thanks to the abundance of sampling. I love sampling. Especially when it involves cheese. Oh, and you can probably buy your weight in cheese. We did. 

I sampled EVERY kind.

Museums:  Amsterdam is home to many famous museums, including the Anne Frank house (which we missed due to outrageously long lines), and the Van Gogh museum, which we didn't miss, but raced through rather speedily. 

The Red Light District:  (How many of you skimmed this post until you got here?) This part of town is truly an interesting mix of lovely architecture, homey cafes, and stuff that makes an American's jaw hit the floor. As a way to learn a bit more we took a "History of the Red Light District" walking tour. Here's what we learned:

 

Notice the Red.

• The first church in town is built right at the heart of the Red Light District, which pre-dates the church.
• The CHURCH was the main backer for allowing prostitution. "Ever castle needs an outhouse,"  aka: there needs to be a place in every city where people can commit the sins they're going to commit.  It actually sounds much less corrupt than I was expecting it to sound. Really it just sounded accepting.  
• Prostitutes in Amsterdam rent out an "office" one 8 hour shift at a time.  The front of the "office" has a window for her to dance in, and a curtain to cover the window, because right behind the dancing spot is a bed. Eek. 
• Prostitution is taxed just like every other occupation.
• With hundreds of "offices," and maybe thousands of sex workers aging between 18 and 90+, NONE... NONE! of them are men.  Apparently the district has tried opening up the market, and hired many men willing to do the job, but got little more than women giggling at the doors.  No one interested in... going the distance. 
• Over 80% of women in Amsterdam don't consider it cheating for a husband to "spend time" in the Red Light District. 
• You can't get coffee at "coffee shops" in Amsterdam.
•  Not everyone in Amsterdam is high. In an informal, 2 minute, interview I did with a guy who works at a "coffee shop" his response to my "WHOA those sound scary," was "I don't know, I've never tried them."  Hmmm... there goes that stereo-type.  

 
All in all Amsterdam really kind of reminded me of another city I love. San Francisco. The hustle and bustle, the brisk air, the taboo mixed with the every day, the street performers dressed in ridiculous costumes, even the Occupy Movement in a few different parks.  We loved it all. 

I hear "spirit fingers" mean "I agree."  In which case, those are totally spirit fingers. 

Come back tomorrow to read all about our bicycle tour of Den Haag.  And to look through some of Alan's most BEAUTIFUL pictures.