Hello From Amsterdam

Hello from Amsterdam,

Well, I was  in Amsterdam about 40 years ago, and my impression was not very favorable. It was beautiful, yes the canals and atmosphere were picturesque but our hotel was so crummy, Barb and I hated to take our shoes off and departed a couple days earlier than planned. It was also somewhat sleazy…..lots of cannabis floating around, and litter in the streets.

I was therefore anxious to return and anticipated a modern, cleaned up city. As we approached from the air, I observed well planned windmills…a sign of better things to come. I was also happy to discover that my hotel was in the middle of the red Light district and expected to feast on “Eye Candy”….NOT. I also discovered  that taxi transportation from the airport was not well regulated. I was quoted a fare of 40 Euros and was charged 83.

Naturally, I walked to the red light district on my first day here, only to discover there were no red lights, no sex workers in windows, lots of debris (beer bottles and trash) littering the streets, 100s of bicycles, tattoo parlors and cannabis shops. I also had a delicious ham, cheese cucumber and egg sandwich at a local bar. Unfortunately, I think it was tainted because I had a bad stomach ache that night.

I felt that in general, Europe was technologically more advanced than the US. For instance, they had robot wheel chairs in the airport, obviating the need for manpower. They  are totally automated, can be programmed to go anywhere at any time safely, and have enough power to move heavy individuals up airport ramps. Bathroom plumbing seems to be another area they have worked out. Shower operation  in ever hotel seems more intuitive and simple. Getting the right temperature and pressure has never been challenging here.

One of the ladies at the airport asked if  I recommend her moving to the US. I responded absolutely not and that I was considering no returning. She was  not surprised and indicated that it’s a common response for Americans at this time. Most countries have constant infra structure improvements. In fact their pavements are so smooth, their small cars  feel like you are driving luxury cars (exaggeration).

My final takeaway is that Amsterdam is a sleazy city. I’m sure there are many areas that are clean, neat and beautiful, but unfortunately I have not come across them.