Keeping Busy in Amsterdam

Well after the awful loss of my little dog, Pretty, I had to find a way to keep myself busy and not be moping about. It was a bit fortunate that we were booked to go to visit our son, Jamie, in Amsterdam two days later. It did keep us occupied. Here are some of the photos I took on our trip.

This is Jamie with his lovely English girlfriend, Toni...a happy couple.

Below: Paul found a doggy friend to cuddle. This is Molly who belongs to the lovely Shalina (Jamie's boss) Shalina would not be photo'd but Molly did! Thanks so much Shalina for all your hospitality and help during our trip (and keeping an eye on my baby for me)

 

Smokey's Coffeeshop

Next is a photo of Jamie and Paul taken in one of those coffeeshops that sell dope and such and it's legal. I was gobsmacked! We had to see it for ourselves of course.

Then - much to Jay's embarrassment we insisted on doing a tour of the Red Light District. It was the fasted tour ever. I think we saw one lane of it. Jamie almost ran us through it. Also gobsmacking! I think Paul went crossyeyd!

 It was a bit sad seeing all those beautiful young women on display like shop mannaquins. I was too uncomfortable to take photos of them and anyway it is not allowed - not the done thing - and their minders are known to grab a camera and delete pictures.  The red lights you can see in the lane on left of picture each has a window with a woman for sale in it. Very strange thing to see.

Despite these things I have to say that Amsterdam felt like a very safe city to be out and about in on a weekend night. Full of buzz and good humour  and no sense of menace and danger that I feel in most big cities. Jamie says he has not seen one fistfight in the nine months he has been there.   The police are very polite but have a zero tolerance approach to troublemakers and will come down hard on any unruly behaviour (also they don't have to spend any time  dealing with dope dealers or prostitutes as most forces do)

 

Strange Buildings in Amsterdam...

Below is the hotel where Jamie works. It is the Liberty Hotel and is the building on the left with the green canopy. Next to it is the narrowest house in the world. Yes, the black door is the building - it is a door wide! The redbrick building is the building next door to it. A young couple live in it. Obviously NOT  claustraphobics!

 

 

...and Feeling Seasick on Land!

Now for more amazing buildings. I thought it was my eyes at first but no, a lot of the buildings are tilting at odd angles. Look at this hotel (on the right with the blue hotel sign)..would you like to stay in this?

 

Of course some of them tilt FORWARD which is also very alarming.

 

It seems they are built on sand and that's why they shift. I have not heard of any of them falling so I guess that's ok but it sure feels strange to see it. Jay says the builders never heard of  spirit levels!
 

I did go to a flea market but it was late in the day and most of the good stuff was gone but I did manage to find two lovely old tins and an old candle snuffer. Will post pics next time.

Since I came home I have set up my ETSY Shop (again keeping my mind busy) Click on the  link or the on the top of my sidebar on the right if you fancy a browse. Bye for now!

 

 

Comments

[angie]

Hi Pam i loved holland , its a kind of strange and wonderful place, where bikes rule and it seems almost anything is tolerated!!!I really loved the market place [flowers as far as the eye can see] and huge rounds of cheese, and just about the most laid back vibe about the place, i never did go to the red light district, [seems i am my mothers daughter!!]

[Tracey]

I reckon the builders must have been high on wacky baccy! Lovely pictures Pam. xxx

[kimme]

Love the tour of Amsterdam. Looks like ya'll had a nice time :)
Your son and girlfriend look wonderful together, I bet it was nice
to see them.

I am off to check out your etsy site.
Hugs~kimme

[amy]

How fun to come along with the help of your lovely photos. I enjoy seeing unusual buildings like these.
Amy

[Microsoft Office]

This website is to I too have to help. Very good.