Amazing Amsterdam!

I began my last blog post by deeming Las Vegas the city of crazy people and one-of-a kind experiences. I spoke too soon.
There is a distant place located on the West coast of the Netherlands called Amsterdam. Amsterdam has been given a variety of different titles including everything from “Heaven on Earth” to “The Devil’s Playground.” While Las Vegas may smell of expensive booze and crazy people, Amsterdam smells of something too.
What is it about Amsterdam that makes it so interesting? I travelled to the Netherlands a little over a year ago with a few close friends. We chose to keep the vacation small and booked two nights at a hostel located in the center of the city. Upon arrival we were met by a whirlwind of people in orange and black. It was game day in the Netherlands, and both the locals and tourists were wearing the country’s signature colors.
Soccer wasn’t the only pastime locals and tourists seemed to be excited about. As we walked from the train station towards our hostel there was a distinct scent in the air. I recognized it as a smell I associated with music festivals and house parties. It was pot. The drug that is illegal in most countries was not only legal in Amsterdam, but it was encouraged. Coffee shops in Amsterdam don’t have menus full of different coffee choices, but different marijuana choices. I had never seen anything like it.
The red light district also made my jaw drop. We happened upon it on our way to the hostel, and knew immediately where we were as we passed window after window of women soliciting customers.
After checking into the hostel and setting down our bags, we decided to check out everything else the city had to offer. The cobblestone streets were lined with marijuana hubs, souvenir stores, and pubs.
Amsterdam isn’t just a city of marijuana, prostitutes, and crazy tourists. Canals run throughout the city, museums and galleries are plentiful, and the architecture is beautiful. The Van Gogh Museum is even located in the center of the city. If art and architecture doesn’t strike your fancy, you can also head to the Heineken Brewery and learn about the history and making of the beer. There is so much more to this city than being able to break the laws of your native country.
The various reasons above, among others, are why I believe Amsterdam truly is heaven on earth. There’s something liberating and new for everyone to experience. Things you can’t do at home, but always want to. Whether this is bumping elbows with famous artists, experiencing a crucial piece of history with Anne Frank, or even smoking marijuana amongst police officers and locals, Amsterdam has something to offer that your birthplace doesn’t.
Everyone who has the chance should travel to experience this one-of-a kind city.
--Megan Jones