Amsterdam Adventure
The team was given the day off yesterday so, despite the cold weather, Jared and I decided to tour Amsterdam. We managed to purchase round trip tickets and get on the correct train heading to Amsterdam. We noticed a worker was coming through the train checking everyone's tickets. Not exactly sure what he was doing we got out our tickets and handed them to him. He looked them over and said "UH OH!" Jared and and looked at each other with panic. After some difficulty communicating we realized he was trying to tell us we were sitting in 1st class and our tickets indicated that we had purchased 2nd class. He escorted us back to the 2nd class section. It was slightly humiliating, but we found humor in it.
Our 1st goal in Amsterdam was to get lunch. To assure we would have good food to fuel us for the day, and on upon referral, we chose to eat at Hard Rock Cafe. We went in the Ramada to ask for directions. She suggested we take the tram to Leidse Square. Well, we waited for the right tram # and not quite sure what to do we just got on. It was really crowded and confusing. We weren't really sure what to do. We just kept on riding because they never announced what stop we were at. Finally, I saw a sign that said Leidse so we just got off. I'm almost positive the tram rides aren't free, but we never really understood where to pay and no one ever said anything to us, so it was free for us for that short ride.
After a very American lunch we walked through the city stopping at a beautiful church and some elaborate shopping centers. Most of the shopping in Amsterdam is very upscale. The department stores and shopping centers are unbelievable. After lots of LOOKING we made our way to the Ann Frank House. There was a long line, but it was well worth the wait. Jared of course read every word on every plaque in the house. I managed to make my way through a little faster. It was very interesting to see and only imagine what they went through. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take any pictures inside.
The rest of our day was spent wandering through the streets. We realized it would take many days to see all of the hot tourist spots, so we'll have to venture back. I must confess we did walk through the red light district. We debated it and decided we should be able to tell everyone the truth about the WHOLE city. I'm sure we didn't get the full effect, since he and I walked through together on a Sunday afternoon. However, it is still so awful. I don't think he or I took a step without mumbling how sad it was to see this sin and uttering phrases like "God loves you", "He has a better life for you", "You're worth so much more"... It was so upsetting to see that Satan has taken over that section of the city. He's not even fighting for it anymore because he's won the war. It only took about 2 minutes for us to realize we wanted the quickest way out. And I must say... although Amsterdam is KNOWN for the red light district, it has sooo much more to offer. The red light district is a very, very small section of a very gorgeous city.
We continued our sight seeing and picture taking of the beautiful buildings for awhile longer. Before heading back to Utrecht we ate dinner in Dam Plaza at a little cafe. You have to be careful what restaurants you go in around here. It is TRUE that they sell marijuana at many of their coffee shops. The team is not allowed to enter any coffee shops for that reason. Just by inhaling second hand smoke the drugs can be detected when they are tested. Needless to say these 2 very naive young adults from Edmond America have had quite a culture shock living over here. It is a short adventure we will never forget.
Our 1st goal in Amsterdam was to get lunch. To assure we would have good food to fuel us for the day, and on upon referral, we chose to eat at Hard Rock Cafe. We went in the Ramada to ask for directions. She suggested we take the tram to Leidse Square. Well, we waited for the right tram # and not quite sure what to do we just got on. It was really crowded and confusing. We weren't really sure what to do. We just kept on riding because they never announced what stop we were at. Finally, I saw a sign that said Leidse so we just got off. I'm almost positive the tram rides aren't free, but we never really understood where to pay and no one ever said anything to us, so it was free for us for that short ride.
After a very American lunch we walked through the city stopping at a beautiful church and some elaborate shopping centers. Most of the shopping in Amsterdam is very upscale. The department stores and shopping centers are unbelievable. After lots of LOOKING we made our way to the Ann Frank House. There was a long line, but it was well worth the wait. Jared of course read every word on every plaque in the house. I managed to make my way through a little faster. It was very interesting to see and only imagine what they went through. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take any pictures inside.
The rest of our day was spent wandering through the streets. We realized it would take many days to see all of the hot tourist spots, so we'll have to venture back. I must confess we did walk through the red light district. We debated it and decided we should be able to tell everyone the truth about the WHOLE city. I'm sure we didn't get the full effect, since he and I walked through together on a Sunday afternoon. However, it is still so awful. I don't think he or I took a step without mumbling how sad it was to see this sin and uttering phrases like "God loves you", "He has a better life for you", "You're worth so much more"... It was so upsetting to see that Satan has taken over that section of the city. He's not even fighting for it anymore because he's won the war. It only took about 2 minutes for us to realize we wanted the quickest way out. And I must say... although Amsterdam is KNOWN for the red light district, it has sooo much more to offer. The red light district is a very, very small section of a very gorgeous city.
We continued our sight seeing and picture taking of the beautiful buildings for awhile longer. Before heading back to Utrecht we ate dinner in Dam Plaza at a little cafe. You have to be careful what restaurants you go in around here. It is TRUE that they sell marijuana at many of their coffee shops. The team is not allowed to enter any coffee shops for that reason. Just by inhaling second hand smoke the drugs can be detected when they are tested. Needless to say these 2 very naive young adults from Edmond America have had quite a culture shock living over here. It is a short adventure we will never forget.
posted by The Allens | 4:05 AM
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