Before even stepping foot into Amsterdam, I thought I had it all figured out. I mean I briefly visited Amsterdam a few years ago for a flight layover, so I thought my 2nd experience in Amsterdam would practically be the same: bikes everywhere, canals and quaint buildings. However, Amsterdam is so much more than all these things. I was probably one of the few people who didn’t realize how liberal Amsterdam’s culture is, but if you should know anything about Amsterdam, it should be that it is a country full of a liberal spirit and kindness. As our tour guide said, “Amsterdam is tolerant to anyone that can treat others with respect.” Before my tour guide saying this, I would have thought the United States is the most fair and open-minded country, not because we’re perfect, but I thought being a developed country that it seems everyone wants to come visit, America was the peak of success. I think in some respects America is very successful, but I made a big generalization. I think that is in part because my dad always said that coming to America was his dream, so I view America as being the standard of how a country should be.
After visiting Amsterdam and experiencing its culture, I totally get a sense of how those values have manifested within their culture. Our tour guide also mentioned that Amsterdam is a place of freedom for others fleeing what you may have: an asylum of sorts. No matter if one’s ideas differ from others, Amsterdam is always welcoming to people, which is super cool.
For example, there is a statue of Alisa Bosshardt to share how influential a role she had in Amsterdam. She became a member of the Salvation Army and after WW2 supported those that worked in the red light district. She helped the prostitutes who had little voice and was able to supply them with any necessary living things. The prostitution culture in Amsterdam is obviously different than elsewhere, but it’s really a unique experience to have the lady’s in the windows like manequins. However, after seeing this the first time, I really didn’t notice it after that. I was just surprised that tourists felt like they could take pictures or make fun of them since they were “inside”; I got a sense that the actual people from Amsterdam were respectful, but it was the tourists that were an issue.
There was also a lady who had a shop and would hide Jewish people in her home. They would hide in the upstairs of her house. When a Nazi soldier found this out, they came to her home. However, this lady, as she was walking up her stairs came up with a plan to save the Jewish people she was hiding. So she turned on the stairs and said “Hail Hitler” while holding her palm up. The Nazi soldiers, so confused, couldn’t believe that she was one of “them.” So, the Nazi’s believing this lady was not helping any Jews decided to help her and in turn asked how they could support her. She was able to finesse a supply of alcohol from them all while hiding Jews in her home.
Stories about these powerful individuals and more really articulate the spirit of Amsterdam.
I also visited a cheese shop with a friend. I was surprised first of all that the store owner allowed me to try any cheese and used a cool cheese slicer, so every taste was fresh and creamy instead of hard and stale. In the United States only big grocers like Giant Eagle or Whole foods are places where I get this experience of trying the cheese, but Amsterdam in smart, because the only way to know if I like a cheese is to try it. In fact, it was this tasting which convinced a friend and me to buy 3 wedges of cheese each. I mean with flavors like truffle, pesto, wasabi and so much more can you blame us?
However, I was also shocked to find that none of the Dutch cheeses were refrigerated because they were vacuum packed and able to be kept closed for a few months. Nearly every cheese in the United States was refrigerated, so it was weird when I brought it home to put the cheese in my pantry. Furthermore, these cheeses were made from unpasteurized/ raw milk which gave way to its unique flavor and texture. I think it’s surprising that the U.S. doesn’t allow for the manufacturing of raw milk cheese because of possible contaminants and bacteria’s, yet a bag of cheese from the store in the states will contain a slew of preservatives and chemicals. I think that the U.S. needs to start really reevaluating our food culture and processed goods, as dye-free, preservative-free and such foods shouldn’t be premium products, but instead the standard.
Another cool thing I did in Amsterdam was going on the Adam Lookout which is the tallest swing in Europe and swinging over the country of Amsterdam. Quite literally the best view of Amsterdam that one could have. I have never been so mesmerized by a scene and wow this was such an incredible experience! I would definitely recommend checking this out.
Finally: I have some random tidbits of information about Amsterdam. 1) You MUST try their fries. I was in Amsterdam for 1.5 days and some of my friends bought the fries 3 times each during our stay. 2) The Stroopwafel is also a MUST. Literally, 2 thin buttery “waffles” (think the thickness of pizelle) sandwiched with caramel in the center. SO GOOD. 3) NO F#CKING PHOTOS – this is an artistic campaign to not objectify the ladies in the Red District. These are real women too, so please don’t take photos of them. For some context on why prostitution is a legal thing here, it dates back to the fact that Amsterdam has a port. So men who were on the seas for months would be “rich” at these ports and engage in lavish meals, excessive drinking and women. These men were called the 6 week gentlemen, because at the end of 6 weeks, they would be poor and go out to sea again. This is what started the prostitution culture in Amsterdam. 4) Amsterdam has the largest cocoa port in the world and is the greatest importer of the product, so definitely try some out!
I think what surprised me most about Amsterdam is just really how eclectic and understated it is. I never thought of it having a diverse food scene (dutch cheese, stroopwaffel, poffertjes etc) or having so many cool attractions or just being such a kind place overall. I realize that when I considered myself “culture” I considered the knowledge about a country’s famous art/artists, monuments or food to be the epitome of the culture, but really that was superficial, because I really didn’t know the culture itself or understand how the country’s history affected its present. This realization has made me more open-minded and something I will keep reminding myself of when I continue exploring.
