Netherlands

A Tranquil Oasis of Sin, Freedom and Love

“I think Amsterdam is to Holland what New York is to America”

This year I planned a girl’s trip to Asia but by April everyone cancelled. The show went on but the only issue the price of the ticket was a lot higher a month prior to the intended departure day. While it was too expensive to head to Asia last minute, Europe was just a few hours away and airlines always have last minute tickets that are not exorbitant. The only countries of interest in Europe that I have not visited was Netherlands and Finland. I was only left with one option for a May travel “the Netherlands”.

Most people visit to freely experience narcotics and the red light district in Amsterdam but I wanted to see, know and do more. Do you ever hear people talk about Amsterdam history and geography after visiting? That the Dutch occupied New York and the name in the past was New Amsterdam. A few times I got confused along the way as some people refer to Netherlands as Holland; which is the two provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. Most of the stories told during my stay goes no further than 400 years ago. The country is on a flat surface with a vast percentage of the land at sea level. With pride the locals explain after several floods devastation how the Dutch reclaimed their territories by building windmills to pump water out of lands and built dikes (man-made hills) to protect communities from further damages. Many houses look crooked; I thought it was a technique used by architects, but it is due to old age and quality of the wooden piles. Properties are built on piles, drilled into the wet soil and when the water level is lowered the poles are exposed to oxygen and start to rot.

 

Reclaiming lands was not the only story told egotistically. While the Netherlands has an official flag, each city is also represented by their individual flags. The Amsterdam flag, a red shield with black band and three silver St. Andrew’s crosses with the motto of Amsterdam underneath Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig (meaning Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate) is based on the city coat of arms. Although the theory is unfounded guides and residents alike often state that the meaning of the 3X on the Amsterdam flag represents the three dangers of Old Amsterdam: fire, floods and the plague. In reality the 3 crosses represent crux decussata (X-shaped cross) recalling the time St. Andrew was martyred on a cross.

Amsterdam city center was a typical globalized destination. There are more bikes than people and riders are reckless. I would never think bicycles would be so dangerous. Majority of the riders proceed at full speed from every direction even walking on sidewalks are at times unsafe. While in the city I visited the Ice Bar, Anne Frank’s House, Rijksmuseum and a live sex show at the Moulin Rouge. I stayed at Inntel Hotels Wellness Room. It was well worth it because at the end of the day my feet and body needed the relaxation.

I got to try mushrooms, marijuana and eatables; as they say, “you can’t knock it until you try it’. I can now honestly say  “don’t do drugs”. I did not enjoy losing mental functions, sense alterations and hallucinating. At some point I found myself starring through an open window on a second floor of a restaurant doing everything in my power to not jump off. Until 2 waiters knowing that I was high ask me to move away from the window and head back to the table. Every time I tried something new, I felt like I needed more since it took a while to affect my brain until an hour or so later I started losing control. So, I can now officially say drugs is not my thing.

Two out of the four days were spent exploring the countryside. Driving to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam. They were honestly picture perfect as I imagined.

In a setting full of lakes, bridges and flowers lies the scenic small tranquil Dutch town Gierthorn located about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam Center. Majority of the village is only accessible through pedestrian roads and canals. Beautiful floral lawns and thatched cottages make up the village’s landscape. At arrival in the parking lot guides rent private canoe or seats on bigger boats to ride through the village. After admiring the community and taking lots of pictures took sometimes to lounge and grab lunch in one of the many restaurants along the canals.

Netherlands charming and flowery countryside has always been a dream. The following day my first stop was Edam. This town was just a short 30 minutes’ drive from Amsterdam. Although today known for its famous cheese covered in wax, the town is best experience on Wednesday morning market it was in the past a shipyard. I was able to see across the canals a few tea houses used by wives of wealthy families. Before heading to the next town I stopped at a cheese farm to see women make cheese. Must I say I tried many unfortunately I didn’t have wine with me.

Our next stop was Volendam, an everyday boardwalk, sea front community with various souvenirs shop, restaurants, ferry ships, rental homes, etc.… Some of locals not sure if it is to attract tourists wear their traditional Dutch attire. As fishing is popular, I decided to try their traditional delicacies ‘’raw herring, pieces of codfish and smoking eel”.

Our final stop for the day was at Zaanse Schans; known for windmills, authentic cheese, wooden clog making, chocolate, scenic waterways. Most of the windmills are open to visitors free of charge. I first stopped to see shoes being made and later walked around the park, windmills, and shops.

Just as I expected Netherlands had a lot more to offer and unfortunately, I had very little time to explore. Not to mention Brussels, Belgium is less than a 3 hours’ drive away. The story of Amsterdam reminds me of today’s generation who are willing to make the impossible possible; a generation willing to dream beyond the guidelines set by predecessors. Hiring a guide for day trip outside of the city is a must; nothing or nobody can better depict a country’s past, present and future better than the proud local guides.

Until Next Time Readers