Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Amsterdam


In Amsterdam, we took a self-guided walking tour of the Red Light District. Maybe because I have an idealized view of Europe--and everything is just so much older over there-- I was kind of expecting the prostitutes to look like they stepped out of Moulin Rouge, wearing corsets and bright red lipstick.


Instead, the girls looked plucked directly out of Tigerland (a collection of slightly trashy bars off of LSU's campus) and looked bored. They sat on stools, staring off into space and eating sandwiches or distractedly texting on their smartphones. Needless to say, It wasn't quite as glamorous as I expected.


But that 30 minute walk was the only disappointing part of Amsterdam ( and to be honest, it wasn't that disappointing... I had an amazing waffle with nutella and banana).  

 














9 comments:

  1. Looks fun! Do you mind sharing where you stayed in Amsterdam? We are currently deciding on a vacation in the fall...either Ireland or Munich/Amsterdam. I've been there before, but stayed with my brother who lived there at the time. Need suggestions so I can start pricing this baby out! :)

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    1. I don't think I would recommend where we stayed.. we booked through Airbnb and it was fine, but I think we should have paid a little more and got a place that was more hospitable. This is the studio we stayed in - the pictures make it look a little nicer than it really is. http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53693

      I liked the area, though (de pijp). I think next time I would want to stay in the Jordaan neighborhood - it's a really cute neighborhood that's not very touristy but close to the city center, there are lots of outdoor cafes where people were always sitting and having a drink.

      Our honeymoon was in Ireland and we loved it- so let me know if you want any tips for there! I have lots :)

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  2. Ah! I want to go to there. I love row houses, Dutch beer, tulips, and french fries in cones. I have to say Amsterdam sounds more fun than your previous touristy Holland post - which pretty much just looked like my hometown of Holland, MI, during the Tulip Time festival, wooden shoes, organ, and all :)

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  3. You had me at Nutella and Banana. Until I saw those french fries with sauce. What are those!?! I'm so hungry now.

    Awesome pictures...as usual:)

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    1. Thanks! It's mayonnaise...that's how they eat french fries over there! It's disgusting/delicious.

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  4. NUTELLA, Europe at its best! Sorry the prostitutes were disappointing, but glad you you were able to take some wonderful photos!

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  5. loooove all the amsterdam pics! man, that place is beautiful. xo, Amanda.

    PS - I, too, was disappointed by the prostitutes when we visited.

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    1. It makes me feel A LOT better than other people had prostitute standards, too.

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  6. such beautiful pictures! I probably would have gone into that walking tour expecting the same thing so thanks for sharing - now I know that what's in my head isn't reality ;)

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