2014 EUROPE by Rail 32 - Red Hot Amsterdam

By the end of the cruise we were starving. Our next stop was the famous (or infamous) Red Light District of Amsterdam.

We headed in that general direction and came across another Argentinian restaurant with schnitzel on the window menu. Mike's mouth started salivating, so we went in.

Gringo was a goofy little place with all kinds of goo-gaa decorations. It was a mix of nautical, beer steins, cowhides, bull fight murals, a big taxidermied ram's head, and other eclectic items. 

The sport playing on TV was a dart challenge from Monaco. Our waitress, Sylvia, was from Rome. The overall vibe of this place did not come together for me. Although I don't recall my meal (friend Suzi says if you can't remember it, it probably wasn't worth remembering), but Mike really enjoyed their version of a schnitzel plate. 

We found it was still raining outside, but the Red Light District was calling our name. We ambled that way. Below was our first view--a sign with a big-boobed, wide-eyed young blond in pigtails with gaping open mouth and a giant half-peeled banana headed her way. It was a place called Chickita's. Clever?! At least cutsie and not hard core, under the circumstances.
Mike noticed a fetish and fantasy shop. He laughed and gave it a thumbs up, but we didn't go in.

We came across many alleys lined with peek-a-boo windows. Women of every nationality and body style and "women" paraded their wares in each. In this particular alley windows faced the Oude Church on the other side. Taking photos in the direction of these "entertainers" is strictly banned. This was the closest we dare try.

One thing I did expect to see were actual red lights, where hanky-panky was available. But I didn't notice any obvious ones. Maybe this is more a night time thing.

There were a lot of little sexy touches here and there. What appeared to be utility access doors on the pavement were marked "XXX." Then we came across this work of art wedged within the cobblestone street.

The Oude Kerk (or old church and the oldest in Amsterdam) is in the District. Mike thought he remembered a sign from his previous visit that said "Prostitute Entrance." We circled the church twice looking for that photo opportunity, but could not find it. Hopefully the church updated its policy so that anyone can enter at any door. He thought maybe it was this one, appropriated painted red.

Besides the brothel windows, there were shops selling all kinds of sex related

stuff -- toys, enhancement paraphernalia, art (in the eyes of the beholder), perfume and liquor bottles shaped like various body parts, leather goods, sexy-skimpy lingerie, etc. Nothing left to the imagination.

Even on this rainy day, it was crowded here. Men, women, couples casually strolling. Some pointed with shock or awe at the available products and possibilities.

We soon got our fill of this area. It was fun, but not our bailiwick. We continued and happened across Dam Square, the historical heart of the city. This is the National Monument in the middle of the square. Read up here: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Monument_(Amsterdam)

Circling the square is the neo-classical Royal Palace (below), the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Madam Tussand's Wax Museum, and the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolky. 

Also, the DeBijenkorf department store was nearby. Mike needed a clean white undershirt, so we thought we would grab one here. Once we entered, we found this was a VERY high-end store. One undershirt costs 40 euros and when we got home we discovered it was hand-washable only. That was an extravagant souvenir. I really have no clue, but it probably cost more than a romp in the Red Light District!!

We were tired and soaked from the rain, so we headed in the direction of our hotel. We passed through another shopping center, The Magna Plaza. Mike had visited here on his last visit (over 10 years ago) and this was the hot shopping spot back then. It was a step down from the deB, but if we had looked here first we might have paid a more normal-for-us price for the undershirt.

Back at the hotel, I said we should dry off and go find the Anne Frank House. I had read her diary as a teen and seen the play a number of times, even staged managed one version at the This Side of the Hill Players Theatre in Half Moon Bay CA. Mike wanted to get warmed up and read, so I decided to go it alone. This was a must see for me.

I scoped out the map at the hotel and set out. It was a substantial walk in the rain. First I came across this statue and memorial of Anne Frank (1929-1945). Here she looks so frail in stature, yet strong with a slightly upturned chin. Very sweet and emotional and telling.

I rounded the corner and there it was. Yes, it was indeed green, at least on the first floor. There was a line winding around the alley of quietly whispering people. They stoically waited for their turn to enter. They held umbrellas of many colors, representing to me the many walks of life interested in this long passed, young woman's life.

Honestly, I am a very emotional person and cry at the drop of a hat. I decided I did not need a formal tour inside. Viewing this hallowed home from across the canal was significant enough to bring tears to my eyes and felt I had paid sincere tribute to this heroic soul.

Nothing left to do, but to return to the hotel. I had not actually brought the map with me (when will I ever learn) and had not dropped breadcrumbs on my route. So I got lost on my return route and it was a long, thoughtful way back.

I passed by some interesting shops and galleries though, and even the pizza place from last night. I thought about a carry-out do-over here for dinner, but it was 16:30 and I was not hungry anyway.

Back at the hotel, even though it was early evening, we both called it a day. Mike read and I watched TV. Two-and-a-Half Men, Grey's Anatomy, Big Bang Theory, and the British version of Antiques Roadshow were airing on an English  language channel. Lucky for me. I jotted down notes for the blog while paying half attention to the TV.

Later we thought about running out for a snack, but it was still raining ... hard. High winds, lightening, thunder, sleet and hail were added to the weather mix. It was the first time on our trip that we turned on the heat in our room.

A great view from our lovely hotel window, but not something to romp around in. I broke out the last two of our granola bars packed for the trip and that was dinner.