After a few crazy nights in London, I targeted recovery in Amsterdam. I didn’t realize, however, that one of the guys had booked our hostel in the middle of the Red Light district of Amsterdam — on Oudezijds Achterburgwal. First impressions summed up in a word: dirt-ay. But it wasn’t until I understood a little more about the Dutch culture, that I began to understand why that particular district is the way it is (more on that in a bit).

Sunset on the streets of Amsterdam - Wacky colors at sunset. There's light all the way until 930 or 10pm during the Spring and Summer months.

Red light district, by day.

The City as a whole is filled with deep history and lots of great culture. The Dutch are very serious about biking, so serious that they will run you over to prove a point — watch out for bicyclists. It flips my entire riding model upside down since in the states, it’s every man for himself against a man in a caged box. Anyway, the best part about a City with such intense riding culture is that when you get behind the handlebars, you are afforded the same privileges and so we decided to take a bike tour — some of the pictures are below, with a bit of commentary.

Windmill!

Cheesemaking tour

Clog making tour

You fill big shoes!

The Red Light District: It really is a scene to see. Weed is legal. Prostitution is legal. Drinking in the street is allowed. Pissing in public is okay. Almost anything goes. All that being said, it was just something you see and move along. Nothing too much more fantastic about it than the shock value. A few interesting tidbits about the area — ladies are self-employed, you can’t buy weed and alcohol together at the same bar/place, lots of weird folk ALL over the streets. Why is prostitution legal? The Dutch government don’t want pimps trafficking girls for the sole purpose of prostitution, so they legalized it in 2000 to prevent the pimpin’ lifestyle. Why are the Dutch so liberal? They actually aren’t that liberal — they’re tolerant and that means accepting different forms of professions, leisure, etc. No pictures of the dirtay stuff because I have Facebook friends who are kids.

Well, that’s all I have to say about Amsterdam. I’ll add more as I recall it…oh and those who know me know that I’m definitely not a coffee lover, but since Amsterdam, I’ve been having a nice cappuccino nearly every day. When I get back to the states, I guess I’ll help contribute to Starbucks’ bottom line.

Cappucino - Never been much of a coffee lover, but had a few nice cappucinos in Amsterdam.

My next note will be about Berlin, Germany and all it’s bratwurst glory.