Hello world. Hope you all had a great week. 

This post is coming very late but as the saying goes “better late than never.” In February, I was in Amsterdam for few days after my trip to Sierra Leone. 

Amsterdam is a friendly and open-minded city famous for its canals, engineering inventions, ship docks, floating houses, and beautiful mix of old and modern architecture.

I’ve always wanted to travel to Amsterdam to see the canals, the famous Red Light District and legally smoke marijuana (don’t judge) and I did just that on this trip. 

HISTORY

Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village around the thirteenth century. Amsterdam developed round a dam in the Amstel river at the end of the 12th century. The name Amstelledamme occurs for the first time in the toll concession of Floris V, Count of Holland, dated October 27, 1275. During the 14th, but especially the 15th century, Amsterdam underwent a rapid development, which laid the foundation for the Golden Age. Only very few medieval buildings survive today. 

Amsterdam, the greatest planned city of northern Europe, has always been a well-known name in world history and played a central role in the history of the Netherlands. In the 17th century Amsterdam was the centre of world economy, and nowadays the city is known for its tolerant character.

BEFORE TRAVELING TO AMSTERDAM

First, a few basics: Amsterdam is located in the Netherlands. The official language is Dutch (though English is widely spoken) and the currency is the euro.

Visa:U.S. citizens planning to travel to Netherlands for short visits of 90 days or less do not need visas to enter the country. A valid passport is sufficient

Watch the bicycles:If you’re walking, pay attention to the official bike lines. Amsterdam reportedly has more bicycles than residents. Don’t ever walk in a bike lane, and exercise extreme caution at corners and look both ways before stepping in a bike lane to cross the street. Fun fact: 12,000 to 15,000 bikes are said to be fished out of the city’s canals each year!

Coffeeshops and cafés are two different things:If you’re looking to get an actual cup of coffee, you aren’t likely to find what you’re looking for with signs that say “coffeeshop.” Coffeeshops in the Netherlands are pot shops. If you want a cup of coffee, head to a café instead. Coffeeshops may serve food and non-alcoholic drinks as well, but their primary purpose is to sell cannabis in small quantities for personal consumption. If you’re interested in visiting a cannabis coffeeshop, do it in Amsterdam, as many of the smaller towns and cities enforce a 2012 ban that says tourists can be barred from entering cannabis cafes.

Put the camera down in the Red Light District:If you’re hoping to take a picture of the ladies in the windows of the Red Light District, don’t attempt it. It’s ok to take photos of the canals, buildings, bars, etc., just don’t take photos of the sex workers in the windows.unless you want to run the risk of your camera winding up in a canal. 

I flew in from Casablanca(CMN) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

I stayed at Hotel De Hallen. This high-concept hotel is a 2 -minute walk from the nearest tram stop and few minutes from Amsterdam city center. Generally the best, most characterful hotels are either trailblazers or places with heritage. Hotel de Hallen is both. Housed in a converted 1901-vintage tram station. The decor is awesome, it looks like a hotel straight out of Pinterest. The e staffs were also very friendly and helpful throughout my stay. I loved it and would definitely stay here again!

I called Isabelle upon my arrival in Amsterdam, met her last year at the Dead Sea. We met at the hotel and she suggested De Food Hallen which was next door from the hotel. Our food choice was the famous Bitterballen.

I highly recommend De Food Hallen when Amsterdam. This place for food lovers. A treat to your belly and eyes. Amazingly delicious food with beautiful decor!

   I met this amazing soul Shotiko from Georgia (The Country) on my second day in Amsterdam. We explored together and he was kind enough to even helped me commute to the airport. 

Dam Square is Amsterdam best known square. It is a handy central location from which to explore the medieval city center.

Red Light District. Even if you’re not looking to engage with the prostitutes, walking through the Red Light District is worth a visit just for the experience. It’s located in one of the historic areas in Amsterdam, and is home to a number of interesting bars and restaurants as well.

I went to Amsterdam to see the Canals, Red Light District and legally smoke marijuana. But upon my visit, I realized that there is much more to Amsterdam than the Red Light District and legalized marijuana. While many people equate these vices with the city, the truth is that Amsterdam is steeped in a rich history and culture that transcends its somewhat gritty stereotypes. With origins dating back to at least the 12^thcentury, the city is chock full of  iconic buildings, historically important foods, and a deep sense of cultural pride. I hope the post helps inspire you all to visit Amsterdam!

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