We did the ‘ultimate canal tour’ that included free flowing Dutch beer, French champagne, wine and a custom curated charcuterie platter. We had a native Dutch captain that happily told stories about his hometown and the history of the architecture, canal districts, great places to eat and how to avoid tourist traps. He enlightened us on the red light district and the ‘coffee shops’ that had superior marijuana obviously imported from the USA.

We’ve toured numerous museums but one that stands out beyond the traditional is MOCO — Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art— which included the street/graffiti art of Bansky and other of-the-moment social artists. The museum was packed with younger people and the commentary on the audio tour was especially questioning and criticizing our current social structure. What struck out so blatantly to me was commentary on the US and our current issues that divide us including guns and birth control and our struggle for power of the almighty dollar.

The Red Light District. Oh, yes, we did! How did you come to Amsterdam and not take a tour? It was everything that you would expect. Little ‘coffee shops’ that sell marijuana, people hanging out in front smoking, getting buzzed and giddy. Large windowed stalls where beautiful women danced or enticed one to come in, dressed in scantily clad attire. There was a lot of excitement in every hazy alley, many young boy/men walking around looking nervous. And then the familiar scent of what the locals call the ‘Amsterdam aroma.’ I don’t think you need to inhale to feel a little buzzy.

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