Amsterdam

Oct 4, 2016
3 min read

Holland, The Netherlands, Deutschland....

This beautiful city has everything to offer a keen explorer.

Known to some as the 'Dam' this European capital city in The Netherlands showcases some of the most beautiful old buildings, plenty of places to eat, canals, bikes, history and many coffee houses- to let's say 'unwind'.

It's the kind of city that you don't really need to plan a specific itinerary and everything is within quite close proximity of each other.

The city has a heritage strong in art, it's known for its elaborate canal system and its traditional 17th century Golden age narrow houses with gabled facades.

Whenever I visit a new destination If I know I will be back again soon I try not to rush too much or put pressure on myself to see and do everything. So on this particular visit I just strolled around the pretty little streets and took in the architectural brilliance that surrounded me.

Cutting straight to the chase and being completely honest the most notorious and noticeable thing about Amsterdam is the opportunity to freely buy marijuana. Whether you want to go and choose which type you want and buy it outright from a fully legal smart shop-or if you'd prefer to sit in one of the many 'coffee shops' then there is plenty of opportunity. Many people visit these coffee shops- not to get confused with normal cafes.

Coffee shops have been about since the 1970s, when the Dutch government made a clear distinction in the law between 'hard' and 'soft'drugs. Coffee shops have always existed in a legal grey area. Today Amsterdam's City Council allows the shops to operate with the provision of set, non-transferable licences- shown by the display of an official, green and white sticker in the window.

If you are curious about the shops go in and ask for a menu as they are generally not allowed to advertise outside or even inside, best thing to do is just go in.

Incase you're thinking I sound like a professional coffee shopper, I'm not, sadly I didn't visit one I could only look from the outside. However I'm sure in the future when I am not working as cabin crew I will get to step foot in one of the city's many coffee shops.

One thing I will say is alcohol was very expensive in the city, and we really walked around to try and find one of the cheaper bars. It cost me about ten euros for one gin and tonic!

My day was mostly spent Indulging in a massive cone of chips, something that seemed to be a trademark in the city, enjoying a few drinks whilst people watching and running into the numerous sex shops that accumulate the city.

As always twenty-four hours in a new destination just isn't enough and the day had passed us by way too quickly. Before we knew it it was half past eleven and we had to be up early the next day to fly back to Dubai, so It was time for us to say goodbye to such an amazing city, until next time when I can actually do something a bit more cultural with my time like visiting Anne Frank's house or Van Goughs' museum.

Vaarwel Amstedam

Love Rosie

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