The other Amsterdam
by Frans Kemper
Amsterdam is like many other European cities intensively visited by tourists.
The social media are full of mostly the same (and lovely) images of the many attractions this city has to offer.
Usually with some tulips or stroopwafels. A pity the famous sign “I AMSTERDAM” disappeared in front of the Rijksmuseum, as this was also a beloved place for images and selfies.
There are some fundamental differences though…(Excuse the light hearted way I penned this)
First of all, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. The others are not…. :-)
Amsterdam is compact, all you want to see and visit is in walkable distance. Try that in Paris or London… (We do this on purpose as to keep the rest of the city to ourselves)
Amsterdam has more bikes than citizens and even more exciting are those locals who ride the bikes. They scream, yell, curse and don’t hold back if you are getting in there way… (If you know what I @#$%& mean…)
Amsterdam has the most canals of them all. (Yes you Venetians, start counting…)
Amsterdam has more culture per capita than any other city in the world. (No comments…)
Amsterdam has the oldest woman in the oldest profession. And they are twins! You can book a tour with them through their “working” neighbourhood. (The BEST attraction in town. The stories they tell you…)
Amsterdam is the first city where you can book your overnight stay in a 3D printed house from recycled material…(Bring your own plastic waste as the bathroom is still to be printed)
Amsterdam has the highest number of nationalities out of any city in the world: ± 178…(Never got to count them…)
Amsterdam lies below sea level, a whopping 6.7 meters at its lowest point. (And that’s why…)
Amsterdam has the tallest people in the world… (We all try to keep our head above water…)
BUT, and this explains my love for my own city: Amsterdam has the Amsterdammers…
⁃ We are professional criers and complainers
⁃ We have a very big heart
⁃ We are emotional
⁃ We have a dark sense of humour
⁃ We bike…always…no matter what and with anything, doing anything…
⁃ We love our city… There is one particular song about Amsterdam that brings every local to tears, myself included
Now with this out of the way, and leaving you with a loud and clear picture of my beloved city, here are some anti-tourist images of this magical place and its citizens….ENJOY!
Frans Kemper
PS1: If you are curious about that song, follow this link to see and hear it playing on the carillon of the famous Westertoren. Played on my request by carillonneur Boudewijn Zwart,
PS2: If you have any questions…. Please read it again…😎
