Amsterdam, Netherlands

I took a one day trip to Amsterdam. It was a rainy day. It even hailed. I think some parts of Amsterdam were pretty cool but, it's still just a city. With my growing aversion to city spaces, I did not think it was all that fantastic. Yet, there were some things that were awesome. Let's see them. 

At the bus stop

While waiting for my bus, I started talking to the girl sitting next to me. She was a Ukranian war refugee who had lost a lot, an unfathomable bunch, in the war. She wanted to start a new life. She showed me the currency used in Ukraine and also that of the place where she was headed to see what remained of her family, Moldova. This conversation reminded me why I travel. Not to change places, but to expand and think of things that I do not normally think of outside my bubble.

Boomkerk

This is a wonderful little church located in what used to be the city centre of Amsterdam. It is very nice to look at with its brown walls and windows. 

Rijksmuseum

If you want to see tulips for free in Netherlands, this museum has a small, well tended to garden. I did not quite visit the insides as I thought the outside was pretty enough and the tickets were expensive, 22.50 Euros.

Canals

After having visited Venice, I was not specially blown away by the canals here. They exist and sometimes they reflect. They do have some pretty boats and colourful installations.

Munt tower

This is a wonderful landmark structure that signifies that you are officially in the busy tourist laden zones. There is nothing to visit inside but the outside has many connecting tram lines.

Tulips on the roads!

Did you know? Holland or Netherlands is super well known for its tulips. Usually people take a train about 40 minutes away to a village near Amsterdam for tulips. This is time consuming and the tickets are a bit expensive. Instead, the city is laden with their presence. I highly recommend just stopping to smell the flowers, literally!

Allard Pierson Museum

Amsterdam is the land of many museums. This is one that is so pretty externally, although I did not really go inside. 

National Monument

This is a monument to commemorate those who lost their lives in world war 2. It's in the middle of a busy square and there's a lot of stuff to see just roaming about.

The New Church

This is located in the same plaza as the previous monument. They organise controversial art and photography exhibits. This is in the heart of the capital, a prime location 

Royal Palace

This is next to the New church. It is for "royal visitors" of the place and visits are organised for tourists who want a glimpse into the lives of the "royal" people. The palace itself is very pretty. 

 Amsterdam Stock Exchange

This is a building for simple stock exchange but I did think the architecture was worth a second look.

 

Magna Plaza

This is a shopping centre which leads to the trains, metros and ferries. It is impressive to look at.

Taking the ferry

Ferries in Amsterdam are free. If you want to have some fun, just take any random ferry. I took one up to the north and back. 

Basilica of Saint Nicholas

This is located very close to the railway station and the old centre. I thought it was impressive inside and outside. 

Red light Area

There are museums about the history of weed and many sex shops that are rebranded as love shops. This, along with many prostitutes that can be seen from the windows of the lane. These women are bare bodied and welcoming. I felt a deep sadness envelope me for these poor birds of prey, exploited and wasting away, the sole hope that of being saved by the same system that buries them deep. It brought tears to my eyes. We are not allowed to photograph, hence, I have no photos of the women. 

Buddist Temple

Not that far away from the Red light Area is this temple. This contrast captures the essence of Amsterdam. 

Waag

This is an old nationally recognised monument that is being repurposed as a restaurant, museum theatre and many other things.

Carnival!

I was lucky enough to be able to witness a city carnival that was happening when I was there. There were rides, music and drinks. I also tried a cannabis lollipop. It did nothing. 

 Weed selling coffee shops

There are licensed coffeeshops where one is allowed to sell weed in small quantities. Contrary to popular belief, weed is not allowed just everywhere. You cannot smoke in public.

Oude Kerk

This is the oldest building in Amsterdam. There are new art exhibitions inside from time to time that are definitely worth glancing at. 

Overall cool buildings

Amsterdam has an architecture that is unique to it. I really liked it. The buildings are like the pieces of a puzzle fitting together making the city itself. 

Flower markets

If you want to purchase Tulip bulbs, there are plenty across the markets in the centre. There are also tourist souvenirs and a bunch of cool things. 

Aditi's recommendations

• Walk across everywhere. There are so many areas that are 100 times better when you slow down and take your time on foot. 
• Go to the coffee shop and if you do not want to consume weed, just take in the unique vibe.
• If you're a girl who is alone, be careful in the red light area. Many men tried to harass me.

Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Until next time!