JULY 2002

Here we were on the train again and our last stop was Central Station, Amsterdam.

We booked out two days stay in the Flying Pig Downtown hostel which is very popular among backpackers. The hostel was not very good, but it is great if you are there to party and don’t care where you sleep. The plus was they have free internet use, but only two PCs.

As you enter the hostel, you will see the common chill out area where people watch movies, chat and of course smoke 24 hours a day. After smoking for a while in this area, that is exactly what you will see: Flying Pigs… 

The other good thing about this hostel was that they had a big screen TV and we enjoyed Turkey’s 1-0 victory against Senegal in World Cup 2002 quarter finals. When your hotel is full of Americans, Canadians and Australians, you always get to see a football match from the front seat. Heheheh!!!

Dam Square – Royal Palace:

The Dam Square is the main square of Amsterdam and your starting point for everything. The name Amsterdam actually comes from this dam set on Amstel river, so Amstel Dam, Amsterdam who cares! All the best shopping is right off this square.

As you reach Dam Square, you will be able to see Madame Tussaud’s, New Church, The National Monument and the Royal Palace.

From this square, you can also go to the place where hundreds of restaurants from all over the world offer you great taste. We had crispy duck and noodle with fried vegetables in a Chinese restaurant. Himmm, delicious.

Heineken Brewery:

It used to be a real working brewery but now it is only a museum. For 5 Euros, you can see all about the beer, its ingredients, and how it is made. There is an exiting “bottle ride”, where you can feel how it is to be a Heineken bottle and you get 3 beers and a free gift (Heineken beer glass) when you leave. Absolutely good value for your money. Cheers!!!

Coffee Shops:

All sorts of weed, hash and mushrooms (even one of them is called “Turkish Delight”) are available over the counter in Coffee Shops in Amsterdam, “not legal” but “tolerated”.

Grasshopper is one of the famous coffee shops in Amsterdam. Whether you smoke or not, visit this shop, it is interesting to see the way of life people live there and you will thank God for being there only for a holiday.

For people who never smoked even a cigarette but curious (like me), try to eat some ash from a barbeque, not much difference. Ok, this is one of the main attractions of Amsterdam but relax guys, it is not a big deal, and there is so much else to do and see in Amsterdam.  A few warnings:

1. Just because they are sold everywhere, do not assume that they are perfectly safe at all times.
2. Be careful, it can be quite bad if you are not used to strong stuff or never smoked before.
3. Even if you do it, make sure that you do not take it home with you, or you might end up in prison.
4. Watch out for drug dealers on the streets, pickpockets, and people offering you accommodation, free food or cheap stolen goods… They are everywhere..

Red Light District:

I read about it, saw pictures of it and had to walk through it when I was there.

You cannot visit Amsterdam without being curious and taking a walk down the Red Light District. The narrow alleyways full of red neon lights and endless number of men and women watching half naked females is of course the main attraction here. Walking down here is certainly better at night when all the red neon lights are on. You will see how the area got its name.

I also have to say it is a pretty safe area unlike many other red districts in other countries. (Now I sound like I am expert in that field which I am not!) It is a kind of window shopping; even if you are not into that sort of thing, it is an experience. But do not try to take any pictures, unless you can run really fast!

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