At 5:00 A.M. we entered the
Dickie had his usual hearty breakfast while I, ever so slowly, got ready for the day. As soon as we docked we walked to Central Station (in the pouring rain) and I wondered why the hell we didn’t stay onboard. Because Amsterdam might be the only city in the world that is better seen from the water, we hopped on a canal boat that was the most expensive boat ride in my life, seeing absolutely nothing. Okay, the Dutch architecture that is embedded in their DNA peeked through the foggy windows now and then and the various bridges and the 17th century houses were quite pleasing to the eye.
After the bloody boat ride, we walked the canal-laced streets, which smelled of marijuana and hashish smoke wafted from every coffee shop. And oh my god, this city is overrun with scooters and bicycles, cars and trams and is relentlessly loud. It is hopelessly congested and ridiculous in its layout. Pedestrians seem to float by from all directions in silence, their sounds lost in the noise of the city. Its inhabitants are most……how do I say it ……. gloomy..... a condition of chronic melancholy, or dope.
The renowned Red Light District was cool with lots of fat black and pasty hookers in the windows that are lit up red. Prostitutes here are like businesswomen – it’s all about location, location, location! To rent a good window isn’t cheap. I like that. But what was really gross to see was old men talking to the girlies, discussing what is to be done, negotiate the price and then go in – and the hussy-hooker closes the curtain with a smirk on her face. No shame whatsoever!
Dare I say, I am not a big fan of Amsterdam? The main attractions are prostitution and drugs. It’s dreary, seedy and depressing, and too many stoned Americans. In theory the concept of legalizing marijuana sounds ok, but the fact of the matter is that the locals are far more into hard drugs, and marijuana is seen as a touristy thing. It’s a pity that this otherwise beautiful city has shed its inhibitions to become the toilet of Europe. Talking about toilets, Dickie LOVED the outdoor urinals – they are just about wherever you need one.
Back onboard, the captain asked with raised eyebrows if I had fun in Amsterdam, questioning if I engaged in scandalous activities. Oh no my dear captain, I’m too old for……….but if I were younger……??? Forgive me! I'm just letting my imagination run wild again.
Rain gave way to gray clouds as we cruised the Noordzee Canal. The countryside is lovely, I thought. Not breathtaking, just lovely.
Rain gave way to gray clouds as we cruised the Noordzee Canal. The countryside is lovely, I thought. Not breathtaking, just lovely.
Click on the above YouTube link to see the pictures.