The Unofficial Blog of Matt Phelan: Amsterdam

The train to Brussels was great. My first class rail pass paid off for this trip. The train was the fastest that I’ve taken and had all the amenities I wanted. I was given a snack which included water, orange juice, cherries and two deserts. It also helped save some money on food. While on the train from Brussels to Amsterdam, I met a couple from Houston, Texas. They were an interesting pair and we shared a first class room on the way.

Amsterdam was an interesting city. Let’s get to it, the Red Light district is worth seeing once. Unlike any place I’ve seen. It had a strong smell of pot in the air, women in windows knocking on the glass to get your attention, many drunken men and women, red lights everywhere and guys looking like pimps trying to get you to come to sex shows. Unfortunately, when your hostel is located right in the middle, it can get old quick. I was staying at a Christian Youth Hostel in the middle of the Red Light district. I wasn’t solicited as much as other Americans and Brits that I saw because I would just keep saying “Nei” (Swiss German) every time they asked if I wanted drugs or if I spoke English. They would immediately leave me alone unlike others, they would continue to irritate.

It was still a great stay. The hostel was a good place and they used passive conversion tactics. It was an even split between those staying for the Christian aspect and those that were just staying at a decent hostel. I had a roommate from Pusan, South Korea named Hae Jin that I hung out with during my stay. He was a nice guy and it’s nice having someone to get lunch with.

I went on a great bike tour that started through the city and traveled to the country side. I was late to the meeting point and had to run about a mile to get there before it was too late. I made it and we were off for the 4 hour tour. We stopped at a farm to see how cheese and wooden shoes were made. The farmer was an odd and interesting guy. After that, we stopped at the oldest windmill in Amsterdam. Near the windmill is a statue of Rembrandt. Rembrandt painted that windmill many times, trying to perfect it for his paintings. He used the windmill in at least 3 of his famous works.

Our bike tour guide continued to ask questions to our group and I continued to answer them. Who liberated Amsterdam in WWII? The Canadians. Where is the only other outdoor Picasso? Chicago. What famous couple stayed in the Amsterdam Hilton on their honeymoon in the 60s? John and Yoko. What was the original name of NYC? New Amsterdam. And others. I’m a dork but that’s ok. The bike tour was a great way to see the city, get exercise and learn some new things for a lot less money than the other tours.

I finished my stay in Amsterdam by going to the Anne Frank House. I read the diary in middle school and I was surprised by how much I remember. Walking through the hidden passage behind the bookcase gave me an eerie feeling. The entire experience was humbling but the best part of my trip to Amsterdam.