Amsterdam, the cultural center of the Netherlands and the ideal place to be for many and for different reasons: picturesque alleys, interesting architecture (e.g Dutch Golden Age), international flair, legal marijuana, vibrant nightlife…and the list never ends!
You should stay for at least a week if you want to wander around the narrow alleys like a flâneur, cross its tiny bridges and discover all the hidden treasures, usually difficult to notice at a quick glance. This journal mentions only a few highlights…rain, wandering around, cheap but tasty lunch (don’t forget to try the traditional erwtensoep or snert, soup made out of peas and sausage), sightseeings, vivid corners and a variety of colorful images…
A loggia filled with old books and vinyls…
Those little discoveries that happen by accident are the most exciting sometimes. An old loggia, right in the heart of the city, houses a flea market of old books and vinyls. Although most books were written in Dutch, so there was not a big variety of choices for foreigners, it was one of the most unique experiences of my trip. A trumpet lies next to a Bob Dylan vinyl and right next to Edith Piaf and Bach; music knows no borders or eras. To the left, two male figures: one is rolling his cigar and enjoys his coffee using a glass of beer (!) and the other is hiding behind his newspaper. Both gave me the impression that they were, in fact, trying to avoid any visitors. This peaceful and quiet loggia, a parallel world in complete contrast to the city center bursting with people.
That embroidered sweater…
“Here comes the sun”! After a couple of hours of heavy rain that led me to the nearest second hand/ vintage shop (check out Vintage Shops Amsterdam) ,to buy a warm embroidered sweater, the sun made its debut. Sometimes rain covers the city with a veil of romance and sweet melancholy but without a doubt, the sun enhances the vibrant color palette of Amsterdam. Surrounded by the warmth of my new sweater, I enjoyed my hot cup of coffee right next to the Staalmeestersbrug bridge and a reddish-brown sleeping cat.
Grab a beer…
Many would say that after sunset, Amsterdam comes to life. I say that this city never sleeps. I wandered as much as I could around the central city market, but then I felt like exploring some distant hoods. One of my stops was the Heineken Experience museum, that used to be an actual brewery, but nowadays it offers interactive tours in the Heineken premises that lead to a tasting room.
Outside the museum, the city lights and the elegant vitro, set the mood for the upcoming holidays.
Not just a monument…
Christofer Wren once said that “Architecture aims at eternity” and that is exactly what I am thinking every time I see the impοsing Magna Plaza, the most well – known shopping center of the city, which also happens to be a monument of great importance and value. It also lies right behind the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. One thing you should check off your to-do list, is to drink a hot cup of coffee at the top floor of this neo-gothic building, at a cafeteria that offers spectacular views.
Even if you don’t wish to become part of the city, it is worth becoming a simple spectator of its bustling, bohemian life. Even for one day…
Μαρία Ελένη Βασιλειάδη 