Gringoes.com: Amsterdam ... Wow !!!

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   I have been visiting Amsterdam a over a long time, and still I love it.  The live sex theaters (which Esprit so richly describes) are only a small part of the life of the old red light and surrounding district. Everyone should be as fortunate as Sven to have lived in this area, at least for a time. The sex aspect is only a carnival side show, which is greatly overrated. There is so much more to see and do, and it is ONE of the most colorful and interesting city places to go in Europe. It is even more interesting if one takes the time to learn something of the history of the Dutch and the city itself....not to mention the bike riding, dining, museums and shopping. 

My early memories of there are still vivid, in spite of the prism of a sometimes loaded Moroccan brain at the time. I remember the smoky bars and people from everywhere mingling in an international mish-mash of conviviality.  It is almost as if people of the world can somehow become a part of you. It is a place of rich experiences, at least for me and once upon a time. Many ships have passed there in the night.

But time changes everything, and the red light district has changed since my early days, but I have too. I am more mature and "worldly,", but I never tire of exploring and being there, as well as other sights in the city. It is a great place.

I have traveled much throughout Europe, and I sincerely say, “Amsterdam...WOW.”   

I guess if I live long enough, I’ll be offering wandering nostalgia of Brasil as well...Gringo traveling.