Amsterdam

When I landed at Schiphol International airport on my way to holiday in Russia, there was a new combination of emotions. The aluminum modern feel, the organization, the cleanliness, well lit, I was taken aback.

The KLM flight attendant had given me a tiny travel tooth paste and brush. After spending hours in their “cramped seating”, I flowed out the door into the general airport and looked for the men’s room. “What … no harassing customs like USA?” Downstairs I found semi private immaculate facilities. Enough said there.

Refreshed I lugged my carry-on up some stairs into the main concourse. I found the information for my connecting flight without much trouble, unlike the railways in France. I had time so I started to wander.

The first shock was walking directly into a diamond shop called Gassan. Being my family name and not very common, I stopped and looked a minute. I picked up a brochure for my return flight back. I had scheduled a lay over for the return.

On my return, I came into the City Center fairly late on the train from the airport. The conductor on the train checked with the Golden Tulip Hotel near the train station. I got there and after some “checking” they squeezed me in. It was very nice, very European hotel. Decorated with a modern/deco birch interior, my room was very nice. I was surprised when I turned on the TV and found interesting “evening” programming that I have never seen in the USA.

I decided to go out exploring being both hungry and thirsty. The streets were full of life and charm. Brick sidewalks, 4 to 6 story quaint buildings, canals, and bike paths make Amsterdam a great place for pedestrians. The amount of people on the streets at 11pm was proof.

I walked past coffee shops just closing for the evenings with the aroma of “coffee” still in the air. Crossing bridges over canals, there were houseboats with people on the decks with friends enjoying the night air. I saw that some alleys were busier than others, so I stayed on the beaten path.

I crossed over a bridge into what must have been the “red light” district. You hear of it, but it is unique to see it. Alleys with thin first floor windows and a door right next to it. In the window, a woman sits in her lingerie in a chair usually looking bored. By their appearance, they should be. Of course on the canals, the ladies are more attractive. I would assume because it is busier and the “rent” is higher.

Along the canals, both sides are lined with streets and sidewalks. I saw a pub and heard a lot of English speaking people going in. I followed and inside it was great. It was long and narrow with rock playing in the background as groups of different people hung out. I found a stool and ordered a pint of DAB. It was the first time I had seen someone deliberately pore a beer and scrape off the foam, very European.

I woke with a sore throat from the “pleasant” flight! I went looking for a pharmacy at 7am. The streets were fairly empty except for a crew of diligent cleaning crews. I saw sweeping, high pressure spraying, street cleaning workers in uniforms transforming the city. No wonder Amsterdam is spotless in the City Centre. I decided that day that I had to return.

So five years later I got my wish. After flying into Paris and traveling to the Cote‘d Azure, I took the TGV north to Amsterdam. This time I was going to stay a few days.

I had received a deal at the Renaissance through Price Line. It was very nice for a European hotel. The staff  knew the Gassan name and wanted to know if I was related. I should have said yes, but I didn’t. They still treated me like a celeb and called my young (Gha saun’). They arranged for a limo over to Gassan Diamonds for me.

I had fun visiting and bought a watch w/Gassan on it, but I was very disappointed by their diamond prices. I had studied 3D design in college and had created jewelry. I was used to buying diamonds from my one of my 3 sources for less in Cleveland Ohio. Not even my name helped.

I took the rail bus to the Rijksmuseum. It is a wonderful museum. I personally enjoyed it more than the Louvre. It helps that I liked the Dutch Masters. The park across from the museum is beautiful too.

I walked back through the city to my hotel to see things. I passed through a couple of squares and parks. I ambled through a massive shopping district including the Kalvertoren. It is like an Old World version of Eaton Square in Toronto, multiple shops on multiple floors.

Near the hotel, I found a quaint little sidewalk café. It was just down the side street around the corner. The locals would eat there and talk to each other like family. The meals were good too. Going south about a block or so around the corner was a nice coffee shop. It had Internet Café for free as long as I was drinking beer, or if you prefer “coffee”.

I second night I went looking for my old pub, but couldn’t find it. I went into a few bars, but didn’t settle on one. I was too tired from miles of walking over 2 days to go to the clubs to dance. I went back to the hotel and passed out.

The next day I flew back with my old friends at KLM. This time I got a seat near the bulk head on the isle. I had plenty of leg room for once.

I might have left Amsterdam, but I think I left a piece of my heart there. I actually applied for jobs in Amsterdam when I got home, but to no avail. I don’t know what it would be like to live there, but I would sure like to try.