The Amsterdam Way

    So I've been back in Amsterdam a few days. Some quick impressions. The stats are true - people here are happier. The reason is simple, unhappiness comes from being forced to act, behave, and maybe even consciously think in a way that does not match your internal world. Here in Amsterdam there's so few road blocks to let the real you out. The gift that the Dutch give to each other is, if not agreeing with a view point or position, they always at least accept it as valid. Further, most people here are fit, active and know the importance of taking time for oneself and their friends.

    My experience with Dutch friendship has been a really good one. What I found in the two and half years I lived here previously is that though it takes longer to become friends – the friendship is much deeper. So far in my stay I have enjoyed an unprecedented amount of hospitality. Not only did my best Dutch friend pick me up from the airport, he also said: “here use my flat for a few days I'll just stay at my girlfriends house.” Beyond gestures, I've also found it exceedingly easy to be candid with my Dutch friends. There's no judgement. They are just interested, as I am too, in mining into who they and their friends really are. In my mind's eye, that's the most important thing we can do – be ourselves and expect the same from others. We're all in this together and that pathos always comes through when I'm here in Amsterdam...

     Being back on a bicycle, my second Amsterdam legs, has been brilliant too. It took a moment to get my skills back, as I initially leapt on to my friend's bike, like a wild west hero getting on his trusted horse, only to give myself a little knock on the soft bits. Given a minute though I was on my perch looking over the city amongst the locals. First thing I did was ride away from the chaotic and tourist oriented areas near Dam Square. I rode along the Amstel River past the Amstel Hotel to where I use to live in Amsterdam East. If images of bridge upon bridge, unique architecture complete with wonderful,ornate Dutch window frames, interconnected brick buildings, and of coarse seeing, the real locals, the amazingly attractive Dutch people is something you'd enjoy - a ride out of the centre is a must. Next, I did a quick circuit of some of the cities lovely parks: vondel, wester and ooster parks. Though the weather was a bit brisk still groups of friends sat on the grass talking to one another with bottles of wine. My ride concluded with a trip along one of the major canal circles the Heren gracht where I use to work. Nothing could be further apart than the opulent, prosperous and serene Heren Gracht and the crowded and seedy areas around Dam Square and the Red Light District. This is a different Amsterdam than nearly every tourist sees. In reality, I'm lucky to be back now – but more so I'm lucky to have had a real experience living here previous. Every street brings back a memory and a recognition of what I only could call the Amsterdam way.More on that in a future blog...