Amsterdam: 8.3.10

Amsterdam, for better or worse, is almost exactly what you think it is, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Let's get the scandalous questions out of the way first:

1. Yes, there is weed. We smelled it almost as soon as we left the train station. It's so prevalent, in fact, that while the "coffee shops" that sell it are everywhere, we've had a hard time finding decent bars. I can, however, now say that I've seen a weed menu, which was very strange indeed. It's amusing for novelty's sake, but I must admit that I'm looking forward to being in a city that doesn't have the scent of marijuana wafting through it at all times. The smell is driving me crazy, particularly when I'm in a cafe trying to work and it's coming from the table directly next to me.
2. Yes, there are red-lit windows with women standing in them. If I recall correctly, Amsterdam tried somewhat recently to wipe out the sin and vice from the city (which was a terrible idea, because as far as I can tell it's the only reason tourists come here), so the red light district is considerably smaller than it used to be. There are a few streets that still feature the lights and the women, though, so at least I can say I saw it once in my life.

We arrived in Amsterdam late Sunday night, and proceeded to wander through the city trying to find wi-fi so that we could book a hotel. It was dark enough that I couldn't really see my surroundings, but I had a feeling the city was going to be very pretty in the morning. We finally managed to book a hotel, but Google Maps showed us the wrong location so once again we were stuck wandering aimlessly through town, lugging our heavy bags on sore backs and injured shoulders. Finally, we spotted the hotel - after making the pleasant discovery that Amsterdam, too, has canals - and crawled into bed immediately upon arrival. Unfortunately, insomnia hit me for the second night in a row, so I spent most of the wee hours staring at the ceiling and thinking about my writing.

We checked out of the hotel the next day because its prices were doubling for the rest of the week. Most other hotels in the city were charging the same exorbitant price, so we went in search of my very first hostel! I was actually rather excited...it seemed like a bit of an abomination that an avid traveler like myself had never called a hostel home! We tried a couple of places (including one whose windows bore the slogan "Don't worry, Be sexy") before settling on one that has one of the steepest staircases I have ever seen. Our room is small and unattractive, of course, but it's a private room and our window overlooks all the action in the street below. The wi-fi will only work on Jon's PC, though, so once again we had to find Internet welsewhere. We wandered through the streets for a while before settling on a cafe-by-day/bar-by-night joint that we have since returned to daily.

I really love the look of the city. The streets are often very narrow, so much so that cars do not use them, and curvy. For some reason it reminds me of Muppet Treasure Island...I feel like the streets and buildings often look like exaggerated charicatures of streets and buildings. And I can totally imagine dirty, raucous sailor-types inhabiting the alleys. I must admit that I wasn't expecting the city to be visually appealing, but it most certainly is.

Also surprising is Amsterdam's nightlife - because there is none. I'm shocked...I thought Amsterdam was supposed to be a party city! But I guess everyone is too stoned to go dancing, or something. :)

We woke up in time for breakfast at the hostel the next morning, after a relatively insomnia-free night. The owner and his son actually cooked for everybody, which was cool, but which also meant a fairly limited supply of food. We were all offered coffee or tea, and served a hard-boiled egg with a couple slices of cheese and a basket of bread. At least it was healthier than a waffle or the full Irish breakfast we'd had the morning before!

We promptly went back to bed after eating and slept for a few more hours, before working all afternoon. We also went on a wild ATM goose chase, because apparently Amsterdam decided it just doesn't need them. They are impossible to find. We had to go back to the train station to use one!! What Amsterdam is thinking I will never understand...how do they expect tourists to get money for hookers and weed?!

Dinner was Chinese food, and afterwards we had a cider at a cute little beer bar that, I am convinced, is the only bar in Amsterdam that actually gets customers. Another low-key night...Amsterdam, you are full of surprises!