5 Things you didn’t know about Amsterdam

1 - Blue lights means More

in the Red light District

   In the Red Light district there are hundreds of red lit windows with sex workers displaying themselves for hire. There’s women of all types, sizes and nationalities. With the LGTB communities becoming more and more recognized around the world, its no wonder it is reflected in the party district of Amsterdam. Red lights means prostitutes, red AND blue lights means they might appear to be woman, but they are ‘packing extra’- if you know what I mean.

2 - Amsterdam is Sinking

   Literally. The city itself is built on water and every building is built on poles dug down deep into swampy soil beneath. It's common to see buildings tilting in a 'Dr Seuss" like fashion. These poles, originally wood are now made of concrete. Every house is built on of poles, usually between 5-10. The whole city is supported by over 11 million poles!

 3 - More cultural diversity per capita than anywhere else in the world.

   The world totals 192 different Nations and Amsterdam hosts 180 Nationalities. This means you could be sitting in a cafe and every single table might be talking a different language. Everywhere you look, a new a different minority is being represented. You feel you’ve been around the world in a day in Amsterdam, a true melting pot. 

       4 - Bike LIFE

   Did you know there are more bikes in this city than people? More bikes than cars, and even underground parkades made solely for bikes. The biking network in Amsterdam is un-matched from anywhere I’ve ever seen in the world. Copenhagen comes a close 2nd, and several other places in Europe have incredible bike ways but this one is the easiest+funnest city to bike in the world. I dream of living in a car free zone (maybe like the magical free city of Christiania in Denmark). Communities are alive and connected when we are not separated by big metal boxes. You get to know your neighbour, you’re more in contact with the elements and general health of a society is much greater when 90% of the population uses a bike to commute.

5 - Danmed Amstel

   Built in the 1600s, with 165 connecting canals that total over 100 km. Amsterdam has plenty of boats, canals and iconic bridges everywhere. The origins of the city name actually came about because settlers built a danm over the river Amstel back in 1220. They are constantly needing to regulate the water levels, blocking rivers from flowing so the city does flood or float away.

Looks a bit like Burning man from above. (Black Rock City)