2019-04 - First Day in Amsterdam!

2019-04-09 - our first view of Amsterdam canals and bicycles

After a red-eye flight from Houston, arriving in Amsterdam at 7 am local time, we were exhausted but determined to push through a day full of activities in order to avoid sleeping until the evening. We took the train from Schiphol Airport to Central Station (5.50 Euros) and then walked the 15 minutes to the Radisson Blu. Dropping off luggage, we headed in search of breakfast, which we succeeded in finding (without a reservation) at Cafe Metropolitain. Norwegian Eggs Benedict hit the spot for my first meal in Amsterdam.

How to use a hook and pulley to get furniture into Amsterdam's narrow homes

Then, we wandered around a bit on our own, taking in the Dam Square (site of the original dam built to dam the Amstel River), the basilica, and sampling cheese. At 1:10 pm, we were back at the Dam Square, in front of the National Monument, searching for our tour guide for the tips-based Alternative Walking Tour of Amsterdam. Jannes is a native to Amsterdam and sought to explain to us the Dutch way of living through the historic examples of drugs, prostitution and weed. Basically, he said that the Dutch government has a lot of rules. However, mainly, as long as something isn't bothering population in general and it's profitable, it's acceptable. There were many, many questions about the legality of weed (It technically is not legal in Holland; however, it is not hidden how to purchase weed, either). It was strange to stand outside a shop selling "Magic Mushrooms" (also technically illegal) and XTCY.

Street art by The London Police

Other stops on the walking tour included various street art, which is also technically illegal, since almost all the Old Center cities in Amsterdam are part of UNESCO heritage sites. There are stiff fines for graffiti, including jail sentences. However, some artists, including Mr. P, London Police, Lust Black and the Invaders have all successfully created wall art, which is still posted to this day.

River boat along the canal

After our walking tour, we had just enough time to quick a catch bite to eat before joining The Dam Boat Guys for a canal tour via boat. It was such a beautiful day (high of 70!), that it was just nice to be out on the canals. We saw many different house boats that lined the canal, several which are on rented out as AirBnB accommodations.

Now, I am soooo tired; and, might have made it late enough to sleep through the night. :)