From traditional Dutch architecture, to endless canals flowing through the city, and its mesmerising red light district, and of course, the famous “coffee shops” found at almost every corner, Amsterdam provides the best of historical and contemporary destinations for all to experience.
In the Spring of 2017, I found myself in the Netherlands unexpectedly (secretly I missed my sister, that’s why I went). Here are some of the few memorable destinations/experiences from my own personal trip to Amsterdam.
Museumplein
Museumplein is a public space that situates the three significant museums- the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum – along with the concert hall Concertgebouw, and of course other museums as well.
This spot is basically known as the museum district, in turn, making tourists’ visit organised and less stressful. If you were wondering what other places are located in Museumplein, here’s a summary:
◦Consulate General of the United States
◦Concertgebouw
◦Stedelijk Museum
◦Van Gogh Museum
◦House of Bols
◦Diamond Museum
◦Coster Diamonds
◦Rijksmuseum
◦Moco Museum (Launched end of May, 2016)
Jordaan
Jordaan is a city in Amsterdam, and is part of the Amsterdam Centrum (centre). It has many shops, good restaurants and other conveniences. I was able to score a place in the Jordaan area, and it was very convenient. I didn’t bother taking any type of public transportation because I could easily walk to the town square within minutes. My place was also close to The Anne Frank House, about five minutes away to be exact. Also located in Jordaan is the Westertoren Church, a beautiful building with harmonic bells visible and audible around the neighbourhood.
The district itself is beautiful and peaceful; surrounded by canals, every step toward a nearby destination is accompanied by the calm current of the water. Jordaan is lively at night, but not in an invasive or loud way, but in a “it’s nice to know that if I have anything planned for the night, I wouldn’t need to go far” type of way.
The Anne Frank House
Usually I would find it a drag going to places that I know have massive lines, but luckily we found out that tickets of the house tour could be conveniently obtained online through their official website. If the tour relied on just exploring the house, it would take less than 10 minutes to complete. But don’t worry, it’s not about the size, but what’s on the inside that matters.
The Anne Frank House was filled with relics from Anne and company, which include her parents, sibling and another family, all living cramped up in the attic of the narrow house. If you find the time to read every artefact written by the captive residents of the attic in detail, you would find yourself reliving their horrors, as well as, the simple joys that they cherished like being able to open the window to soak in the sun and fresh air. The tour was something I treasured, as it was interactive, and did not at all feel like the type of art you could not touch or experience. Highly recommended.
Canals
The canals of Amsterdam is definitely the number one sight that people are usually excited to see, people like me, because I am part of said “people.” Anyway, I believe that the best way to experience the canal is by taking a city cruise tour, not only does it check off the list of famous sights to see in Amsterdam, but it also allows you to enjoy it while on the water. However, if you don’t feel like going on boats, you could always enjoy nice long strolls along the canal, and cross the picturesque bridges that go along the stream.
Herring
This may be a weird thing to discuss, but bear with me. Amsterdam is located in the Netherlands (duh), a place where most locals (not all) enjoy raw fish. The host at the place place where I stayed at was kind enough to leave a local delicacy in the refrigerator.
Now I am not sure if she bought it just for me (I mean there was my name on the wrapper), or that while this might sound a little mistrustful and ungrateful of me, gave me the raw herring because she hates it, and instead of throwing it out, she just made it seem like she is the most considerate and gracious host by gifting it to me.
Anyway, moving on from accusing people. I did take a smidge of the herring — the one I was given was marinated or maybe just wrapped with pickles and raw onions. I was in no way converted into a herring fan that day. The taste of the raw fish (technically not raw but cured with salt) was pungent in the least flattering way. It was just too acidic and salty for my taste… (basically had flashbacks of the Vietnam War, and I didn’t even serve that war, let alone even exist during that time).
The Red Light District
Most people plan to go to the red light district to explore or experience adult activities, but it was very different for me, I just somehow ended up there. Let me elaborate.
I was looking for the town square, and followed the directions my sister drew out for me on the back of a receipt. The ink was slowly fading away because of the copious amount of sweating I was doing out of nervousness and self-hate of not being able to follow simple instructions. When I’m nervous I develop a confident stride that says “I sure do know where I am going, Sir/Madam”, when deep down, I’m actually sauntering nervously.
At some point I found myself in between two buildings, which created a dingy environment with the sun not being able to get through it. I suddenly realised the puzzled stares from the men unloading their vans filled with alcohol. Trying to act calm and in control of the situation, I just looked at my watch, as if I was late for something super real and important.
Walking along the street, I saw this nice big window that seemed very modern, when suddenly out of nowhere comes out this fit Asian lady in a bra and thong. Let’s just say I was shocked, excited, couldn’t wait to tell my mom. After taking more than two good looks at her, that’s when I realised I was in the Red Light district.
In retrospect, the men who were looking at me when I first entered the area weren’t staring because I was really good looking, but because they were questioning why there was a baby-looking lady walking through this area at 11AM… (I mean the obvious answer is “LOOKING FOR SOME CATS TO FEED 😉 #meow)
All in all Amsterdam was a great trip, and I’ll always cherish it as my first solo trip (with some days being accompanied by my sister). But word of warning, the food there is not amazing, it’s just okay (weird note to end on).
