A Journey of Contrasts and Discoveries in Amsterdam

PS: Consider these travel stories as entries from my journal. Written in haste, I hope you find enjoyment in their spontaneity and rawness.

I am in Amsterdam, the city of canals. Writing from my window in a hotel, 14 floors up, I’m captivated by the beautiful view of moving vehicles and the canal, its lights reflecting on the water. It’s 5:32 AM, and sleep eludes me. Today’s agenda includes a city tour and a subsequent trip to Rotterdam to meet my long-time friend, Timmy. My feelings are a mix of worry, nervousness, and gratitude.

It’s intriguing that I could experience these three emotions simultaneously. How does apprehension intertwine with gratitude? I’m yet to find out.

It’s my second day in The Netherlands, marking my 18th day in Europe on a fast ticking Schengen visa.

Yesterday was gruelling. My period came with a nerve-wracking pain that left me wishing for an escape to a different life. Once the pain seemed to have eased, Shalvah and I embarked on a boat cruise, a change from our original plan due to missing the city tour. We sailed through Amsterdam’s canals exploring the city’s history in a boat with three seats per row, which I thought defeated the purpose of the ‘lovers boat cruise’ ironic given its name.

Amsterdam, a stark contrast from yesterday’s bustling streets, now seems tranquil. My initial impressions of the city, influenced by the ubiquitous smoking and weed-friendly establishments, led to a hasty generalisation of the country belonging to the drug barons. It’s my first encounter with a place where weed is so openly accepted.

Amsterdam differs from Germany, yet shares similarities. While cash is favoured in Germany, Amsterdam leans towards digital transactions, highlighting its tech-savvy nature. As a foreigner, adapting to this was initially overwhelming, particularly at the train station with our ‘I amsterdam’ city card, which we discovered doesn’t include NS trains.

The Dutch are also more open towards speaking the English language in contrast to Germans who you have to ask ‘Please, do you speak English,’ before they respond either in the affirmative or ‘Keine English.’

Last night’s quest for relief from menstrual cramps led me to the hotel bar for chamomile tea. The Dutch, much like the Germans, cherish their teas. The warm brew, along with the barman’s kindness, was a comforting end to the day, adding to the series of warm encounters I’ve received on this continent.

So far, my time in Amsterdam has been filled with highs — from exploring the city and navigating restaurants to the serenity of a boat cruise and the joy of capturing moments in photographs. Each experience layers onto my understanding and appreciation of this distinctive city, and I look forward to learning more about The Netherlands and what Rotterdam has in store later today.

I share the highlights of my adventures in Europe on my Instagram stories. You can follow my time in The Netherlands through this link.