Travelblog #1 Amsterdam; Sex, Drugs and 5 Hidden Gems

I love Holland. I love this little kingdom because I grew up here and from a young age on visited the beautiful towns, museums, its vibrant cities but also little known places that only few visitors know about.

Even though I travelled the world extensively and have been to 6 continents except Antarctica, I feel my very first post on Steemit should be a homerun and focus on my lovely capital city of Amsterdam.

If you haven’t been living under a rock you know the things liberal Amsterdam is most famous for. The red light district is a spectacular part of the city with beautiful historical canal houses and window prostitution. But amazingly it appears quite non vulgar and you can even bring your 10 year old. (Do expect some awkward questions though;)

Of course there are the coffee shops where you don’t go for a cup of coffee.
The relaxed drug laws in the Netherlands permit the use of soft drugs (that’s cannabis, marihuana etc.) and you can even carry 5 grams around. Funny thing is that even though cannabis is legal, you never see a Dutch walking around high! Most coffeeshops are populated by tourists rolling a spliff, enjoying a forbidden cookie. And oh do they tast good! Forbidden stuff is always better.

We’ve all heard about the Anne Frank House, The Van Gogh Museum and the Canals, but here especially for you Steemians, I’d like to focus on the hidden gems. The kind of things only locals and very well informed travelers know about. So, without further ado here is my list of 5 hidden Amsterdam Gems:

1. Stand Up Paddling (SUPPEN) at the Canals

This is the new hit amongst Hollywood stars and Amsterdam folk alike. The difference between regular surfing and supping is that you use a paddle to move forward. You will exercise your abs, ass, legs, arms, back and shoulders; the ideal workout! Hardcore suppers dare to venture on the Amsterdam Canals. Not so hardcore yet? Have a lesson at M&M Sup in IJburg.

1. The 9 Streets ; Shopping Off The Beaten Track

Of course you can visit Kalverstraat to do shopping you can do everywhere else in the world. But a hardcore traveller like you should really check out this area.

The 9 streets have a charming diversity in the middle of the historical canal ring. You can find curiosa like toothbrushes, antique posters, vintage clothing to hip fashion and couture. Worth a visit! You can find this area near Berenstraat, Wolvenstraat en Reestraat.

1. Tour The Canals in a Pancake boat

You can stuff your mouth with an unlimited amount of pancakes while touring the canals of Amsterdam. This trip will take you 2,5 hours. Leave some room for an all time favourite Dutch dish; meatballs with poached pears, just like grandma used to make ‘m.
Address: Ms. Van Riemsdijkweg, Amsterdam-Noord, Every second Saturday of the month.

1. Pick Blackberries in Amsterdam’s Newest Park

If you’re visiting in winter, you can go ice skating there. Schellingwouderpark in Noord (North) was only opened in 2010 and is still quite a secret. Let the fun begin as soon as you get there because the only way in is via a little platform you have to pull across the water.

1. Amsterdam architecture

I love Amsterdam’s architecture and can’t get enough of the wonky canal houses with their gabled roofs. However, if you’ve seen your fill of the historical center and want to experience the Dutch architecture of today head to the man-made peninsulas in the Eastern Docklands. KNSM and Java Island are filled with an eclectic mix of architectural experiments.

I sincerely hope you will experience Holland with the same passion as I do, and that the words on all my pages may result in a great traveler experience for you.

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