High on Life in Amsterdam
Girls in glass windows, boys in grunting groups, museums of a questionable variety and recreational activities of a medicinal sort are standard associations with Amsterdam. And of course, all of these things can be found there but scratch away the stereotypes and you're left with the Amsterdam that's raw and quite frankly, hard to leave alone.
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Amsterdam is a city that wants you to get to the heart of it and quick. We landed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and walked from the terminal directly on to the train platform. I saw hundreds of Quasimodos milling up and down the platform, with their bag-humps, trying to shuffle closer to the doors. I only carry hand luggage - so there's no need for the embarrassing bowing. The train was full of travellers and natives alike. We packed in tight, some arms forming a canopy above the heads of others, with arm pits embarrassingly close and people engaged in polite conversation.
When we arrived in the city centre it felt as if like we'd fallen down the rabbit hole (without the hallucinogenic drugs of course). What seemed like thousands of cyclists dominated the streets and pedestrians walked with purpose to their destination. I half-expected Boris Johnson to pedal down the street screaming: “Look - no hands!” Alas Boris was MIA. I passed several street vendors but sidled up to one selling chips. I know, I know. Why come to Amsterdam to have chips? But these weren't just chips. These were perfectly crisp, fluffy on the inside, vertical monuments slathered in a snowcap of mayonnaise. In Amsterdam these chips, or Vlaamse Frites as they are known, have people queuing up at storefront cafés around the city.
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After walking on we couldn't resist the charm of a tourist shop, filled from top to bottom with tacky souvenirs. But it's ok because somehow tacky reminders from Amsterdam just seemed better. Clogs carved out of anything-you-can-think-of, postcards and silk tulips - it was all here. The shop displayed an equally classy, giant wooden clog outside and we all climbed in to take the obligatory - look how funny I am - photo. We walked past cafés, restaurants and Madame Tussauds, featuring famous Dutch people such as Jan Smit and Silvie van der Vaart. The excitement was almost too much.
What really ensnares you is that away from Dam Square and the hustle and bustle of the centre, you start to see it. You see Amsterdam's reflection in the waters, which dominate the heart of the city. Like lungs bringing vitality to the body, the canal system in Amsterdam is engulfing and beautiful. People waved from the boats below and a mixture of Renaissance and Modern architecture, reigned overhead.
One unassuming building had definitely caught my eye. I found myself exploring the Anne Frank House. I read her diary when I was younger and I was keen to see history brought to life here. The small rooms and loud footsteps on the stairs highlighted the sacrifice made by some of the city's residents. After this we had a toast to Anne, next to the canal and watched the diverse range of Amsterdam locals - passing by.
So cut the baloney - I hear you say. What about the naughty stuff? I can honestly say I didn't partake and you don't necessarily need to. With a buzzing atmosphere, busy markets, a wealth of history and friendly people, there's nothing to stop you exploring a building, eating European-influenced cuisine, and riding down canals - and that can be enough. To me when you're in Amsterdam, you are quite simply high on life.
- Dejeniera Pygott
