It was quite an odd feeling meeting six other Malaysians in Amsterdam. They were Vincent and Hong Wee, former HELP course-mates, and their friends who are either studying or working in London. Three of us stayed with Vincent at Lomanstraat, a quaint residential area with rows of tilted trees and early 20th century buildings.
At this time of the year, Amsterdam is heaving with tourists, as with the rest of popular European cities (Mariya said it was the same in Barcelona). We skipped the "must-see" museums such as Anne Frank's House during the weekend to avoid the standard two-hour-long queues. On Saturday, we did 'canal biking' (boat for four with leg paddles) for an hour to enjoy the sun, canals and gables. Later, we explored Dam Square and the Red Light District (De Wallen). Yes, there were the glitzy red neon lights, famous prostitutes behind glass windows/doors (a different sort of "window shopping"), live sex shows, and "coffee shops" where marijuana is sold for personal consumption, usually in the coffee shop itself. ;)
The *highlight* of the weekend was definitely Sunday's trip to Keukenhof, not too far from Amsterdam. Again, we couldn't avoid the busloads of tourists visiting the famous "Tulipland", which is sort of like a small-scale Disneyland for tulips. But we tried by launching a 30-km cycling 'expedition' around the tulip fields. It was such an exhilarating experience to be bicycling again (reminds me of my BG days) - especially against the vibrant colours of blooming tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in the middle of spring.
Monday was a relatively subdued day as the rest left for London early in the morning while Vincent and I forced ourselves to wake up in time for the early morning queue to Anne Frank's house. It was a nice tour, but I wish I could remember more from what I've read in Anne Frank's Diary years ago (for some reason, the names "Miep" and "Bep" stuck). Then it was Van Gogh's museum by the Museumplein (Museum Square). I was surprised to find out about the profound influence of Japanese art on Van Gogh's paintings (strong outlines and bright colour contrasts) and his passion for the countryside and farmers. After that and a relaxing late lunch in Amsterdam's Chinatown, I was back on my Eurolines bus to Leuven.
cheng
Government fed by the people
Career options
I suggest government... because nobody has ever been caught.
Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?
Corruption is so prevalent it affects English language?
When there's too much dirt...
We need better tools... to cover up mega corruptions.
Prevent bullying now!
If you're not going to speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist? “Orang boleh pandai setinggi langit, tapi selama ia tidak menulis, ia akan hilang di dalam masyarakat dan dari sejarah.” - Ananta Prameodya Toer (Your intellect may soar to the sky but if you do not write, you will be lost from society and to history.)
No comments:
Post a Comment