It was the day of the Gay Pride Parade in Amsterdam, which we would learn to find out is a 'Mardi Gras-esque' party for the city. The trains were packed, and people were dressed in all kinds of crazy outfits. We arrived around noon, then began walking around the city. It was great to have Steven as a tour guide, he mostly knew where to go, so I could relax and look around as we went.
We were quickly immersed into the liberal scene of Amsterdam. We walked by several shops selling numerous types of weed and other lighter drugs, as well as sex shops with eyebrow raising displays, and storefronts selling anything you can think of that embodies a freedom of human expression and desire. There were also open urinals on the street, which meant you could go, and look passers-by straight in the eye!
We then walked through the red light district. Since it was the afternoon, the red lights weren't as bright, but the ladies behind the glass doors still were. These first couple parts of Amsterdam had a similar feel to the French Quarter of New Orleans.
From there we walked to the Rijksmuseem (didn't go inside) and over to the "i amsterdam sign". We also strolled past the original Heineken brewery, the Anne Frank House, and just took in the city on a lively Saturday.
We grabbed an easy lunch, and then walked over to where the 4 hour boat parade was....and it was crazy! The canals were packed with boats, people were 5-10 deep all along the parade path. There was music, dancing, drinking, partying, etc. I never would have imagined the city like this, so it was neat to see it at its peak. After a couple of hours of drinking beers and watching several floats of scantily clad men & women, we hit up a few more scenic views of the city, then headed back to Leiden.
That night we went to a house party with some Spanish friends Steven had recently made. Who thought two Mississippi guys would be in the Netherlands sharing a meal with some Spainards : ) In true Spanish style, they were ready to head out dancing at 1130pm, but Steven & I opted out after a long day. Tomorrow would we head towards Rotterdam and the Kinderdijks.
Breakfast in Leiden
Lovely canal in Amsterdam
Spacecake & joints for less than 10 euro
Steven using the free public urinals
Yes, that house is learning that far
Heineken Brewery
Rijksmuseum
Iamsterdam
There I am
The outside of the Anne Frank House (and my finger)
The red lights are on
The parade route was super packed
That's a lot of guys without shirts!
I think the picture says it all
Can't argue with that
Nice view of Amsterdam North
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