"Central Station.... ALSTUBLIEFT"
| 12 November 2009
Completing our Africa Journey and for lack of better words a giant U-turn through Southern Africa we made it back to JoBurg to catch our flight to Amsterdam,
Holland will be the last destination on our trip. Amsterdam is a special place for most for their liberal views on sex, drugs, and rock & roll! ...and Heineken consumption!
(I spent my 21st Birthday at the original Heineken Brewery)..I could pass on the American Hein-e, but the real deal is a whole other story! ...and you wonder why the canals are green...
It was even more of a special place for me- I have not been back there in 12 years since doing my apprenticeship in the highly acclaimed Restaurant Vermeer (Michelin Star rated restaurant). Of course first stop had to be the restaurant-
Knowing the “ins and outs of Amsterdam” sure did make the 2 day intensely packed trip much easier. Not many people know about the “other areas” that are off the main tourist streets, where the real Dutch culture thrives.
One thing I have always appreciated about the Dutch culture is that there is no problem if they want to indulge in a libation during their lunch break. It is completely accepted among their business society.
Amsterdam’s streets are full of history, mystery, myth, legend, and all the in between. Unfortunately, the city gets a bad wrap for being full of pot smoking, herbal drugs, legalized prostitution, gambling, and liberal attitude, but look beyond that and you will see a city enriched in culture, art, amazing food, and great history.
(I will touch on the above in another post!)
