During the course of our two days, I made it into one coffeeshop "Smokey" that has an interior decked out in Christmas lights. Their hybrid strain of pineapple haze was calling me so I purchased 2 grams and papers and started rolling up. The aroma of the bud was lush and the texture sticky. The first joint was too irresistible not to finish. 20 minutes later I was smiley and ready to take on the town. But first I had to use their restroom, which was only reachable by a set of stairs that seemed as steep as Mt. Everest. Holding tightly onto the banister I mindfully climbed. Then back down even slower. Once grounded, I walked my red eyes out the door. Father in tow we headed to the Vondelpark, at the southwest edge of the city centre. There we found a nice bench and enjoyed the green scenery around us. It was a mix of locals, students, and travelers sitting in the grass sunbathing and resting for a part of their day.
Soon we felt the restlessness set into our bones and we were ready to set off along the canals. We decided the best way to conserve our energy but get the most out of our day was to take a hop on - hop off boat tour. This allowed us to see the most of the canals while not wearing out our feet. I finally understood what people meant when they said Europe has this oldness that is missing in the US. I felt it in the architecture and narrow walkways. Add in the swarms of bicycles overtaking the pathways and the youngsters enjoying a puff at the sides of the bridges, this place had a hip'ness that made it feel as if it was not totally lost in antiquity.
Anne Frank House... never made it inside because the line was too long but here is a picture of the exterior.
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| 439 year old sun dial |
The home was outfitted with several portraits of the family. Singles, duo, and family events painted on canvas. As a painter, to see the lineage of a family on a tangible canvas rather than a screen resonated with the significance of holding on to artifacts of your heritage and creating objects that tell a story of our narrative. Studying their facial expressions, clothing, and stance was so telling into the dynamics of culture at the time. Here is a link to view some of the collection. My favorite painting was the one of the marriage of William van Loon and Margaretha Bas (1637).
Admission: 9 Euros
At some part on our trail, we wander off and ended up in the
most infamous part of the city. Totally a mistake as we were just trying to
find the next boat station, my eyes were in for a surprise when I saw the lady
in the window under the red light. The Red Light District situated along two
inner canals, lights up with red hued lights and hosts those interested in
erotic entertainment and services (no pictures allowed). I had no business of being there, especially
with my father along side me. But nonetheless it was a sight of exposure I am
appreciative for. Seeing the woman in the windows, smirking and smiling at me,
I had sensations and emotions arise. They had made an impact just like they do
to the countless others strolling the streets. I wished them happiness and
health as I continued on knowing that there are many walks of life on this
Earth.
We all share the truth of being human and having the gift of
life but how we walk on this Earth is different. I travel to
expose myself to the different walks of life, appreciate the local environment and try to experience the intersection of energy between the walk and the
environment. This is the magical impact traveling has, when you can can try to
walk in their shoes and enter this state of understanding of how and why they
walk the way they do and NOT wanting to change anything about it.
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