If you are on Facebook like 97% of people seem to be these days, you'll be delighted to know this blog is linked with a Facebook page: Internationally Natalie
On the Facebook page I will post photos and blurbs a little more frequently, since a blog post requires, y'know, actual writing and thought, versus an oh snap look at this neat photo post:
So like any good Euro-tripper, my first base of operations is in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The quintessential backpacker seems to end up here, least, it seems that way from the few minutes parked in my hostel.
It's been a while since I've lodged in a hostel, so some things I remember, and other's I (conveniently) forgot.
The good:
- Somewhere to sleep at night.
- Great place to meet people from all over the world.
- Price is hard to beat.
- Free breakfast!!!
- Lot's of people in the room, (well...duh)
- Party atmosphere. (Which is good/bad based on what you're looking for, and while it's not in every hostel, it's certainly prevalent in this one)
- Lights are on at abysmal hours (though miraculously are always off when I rise)
- I am really old.
Ok, maybe I'm not that old, but coming up against some of these 16-20 year olds makes me feel like a chaperone of the hostel.
Well, they did say Youth Hostel.
Anyway, let's talk about what you really came for, weed and prostitutes!
SORRY NOT SORRY.
Oops, this isn't a post dedicated to those two, (to the few who would want that) but I will briefly touch upon this seedier side of Amsterdam, since that's what seems to be the first thing anyone mentions when talking about Amsterdam.
Prostitution and Pot, it's a wonderful day in Amsterdam!
Yes, it is here. Everyone knows that. But do you know why, aside from "Because they can."
It's a little more than just that. It's more of a cultural reason.
Upon observation, the Dutch Empire precursors everything about modern society than history lessons allowed me. For starters, they colonized a lot of dam places (GET IT?):
Look familiar? Yeah, I'm told it was called New Amsterdam
And basically, like any good Empire, they had people from all over the world. Asians, Africans, Europeans, you name it, they were here. The Dutch, with all these foreigners running amuck, then adopted a 'Hey, you're here, let's work together, and oh, by the way, this place floods. So we need your help k? Grab a shovel."
Not just a pretty decoration.
So how does this relate to prostitution and drugs? Well, it's a word: acceptance. They accepted people of foreign culture and faith. At some point, they had to say, hey this is fine, why not X?
Why not graffiti an entire neighborhood?
So thereyago. The simplest answer I can give. It's all tolerated here because of a way of thought. Hey! Why am I to judge what makes you happy, if it's ok, doesn't hurt people, and most importantly, makes money, it's no problem!
Though this ferris wheel in front of the Royal Palace.... we're going to have a problem here.
Amsterdam does have Las Vegas type of destination reputation at a glance. But there's more. Yes, there's a healthy party scene. But there's other neat stuff.
Like Windmills!
The Netherlands (translated as lowlands) has been fighting against water since the place was settled by people. While I'm told it's love/hate relationship with the water, it makes for some fantastic eye-candy, for starts.
Canals
for
every
occasion!
Though, what still boggles me is the whole Holland/Netherlands thing. Holland is name, Netherlands is the country. But why? Apparently, early Dutch explorers, predominantly coming from a wealthier part of the Netherlands (named Holland) self-identified by the region, vs. the country at large. Like I keep doing with Florida. But, I still am confused.
Though according to this, I AM AMSTERDAM.
I'll give a brief nod to the food here. While it's not been a culinary cornucopia (seriously who uses that word in normal conversation) I will say it's not been bad. Just not extraordinary.
Sausage, brewski, and some kinda mashed potato..thingy.
But the dessert here is dam good. (bada-tss)
Poffertjes!!!
The most I noticed in my time here was the weather. In Holland, the weather is always changing, from mysterious, murky, rainy days, followed by days of cloudless, bright and cheery sunny days.
The way you see things changes constantly, much like the weather I've experienced these past few days. I leave Amsterdam with a different view of the city than the one I arrived with. There's beauty in both grey and sunny days. It's all a matter of perspective.
This is AMAZING!!!
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