ut barely scratched surface. In addition to the major tier of museums, there are countless others for travelers to experience, including the Amsterdam Museum that chronicles the city’s evolution and Joods Historisch Museum in the old Jewish quarter that explores the history of Judaism in the country. Prior to our visit, we ordered our tickets online for the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. That was a good move since we walked directly into both museums, past several hundred visitors waiting in the rain to buy tickets. Another reason to get tickets in advance is that both these venues tend to sell out early. Another good option is to buy a Holland Pass. It includes a choice of up to seven free and reduced entrance tickets for public transportation and major attractions including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, canal cruises and the Heineken Experience - all without waiting in line. (Unfortunately the Anne Frank House is not included.) Holland Passes are 30 and 65 euros and available online at www.hollandpass.com. Transportation Think bicycles when you think Amsterdam; they are the quintessential Dutch way of getting from here to there. To the Dutch they symbolize social freedom, but they are also practical. High parking fees and gas prices make driving a car in the city very expensive. The close proximity of neighborhoods, flat terrain and dedicated bike lanes make riding a bike a no brainer. Even commuters keep a bike locked on the sea of bike racks outside train stations so they can pedal to work. Warning! Although pedestrians are supposed to have right of way, most bike riders ignore that fine legal point and may run you down if you get in their way. Never cross the street or a bike path without looking … a sweet old lady on a rusty two wheeler just may knock you down. You might want to take the offense and start peddling around town. There are bike rental places around Amsterdam, but the best way to be introduced to the two wheel club is to take a Yellow Bike tour. They have friendly experienced guides who will lead groups of up to eight all around the city. The guides show the safe way to ride while sharing the fascinating story of Amsterdam over the years. Public transit is excellent with frequent rail, and bus service to just about anywhere. There is a commuter information center just outside the central train station where you can get maps, information and tickets. The lines to the information folks may be long, so it would behoove travelers to do their homework online in advance to get schedules, ticket and destination information. We took the train from Schiphol Airport to center city and to then light rail trolley to our hotel without problem. Except for lugging heavy suitcases on and off the rail cars, the passage wasn’t too painful – even with jet lag setting in. There are information booths, city employees, police and volunteers scattered in and outside the station to help dazed new arrivals. But don’t hesitate to ask a stranger, especially if they look like they know where they are. Most everyone will speak English and, if they aren’t lost themselves, will probably help out. One other important detail: Make sure you have some local coins for the restrooms at the station and in public venues. While you’re in the airport, buy a candy bar or a newspaper and ask the cashier for change. Then you’ll be ready when you need it. The Red Light District I can’t say I’ve experienced anything like Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light District. For the adventurous and the open minded, it can be enjoyable experience. It’s not necessarily as erotic as it is exotic, a semi-sleazy street celebration like one you might find in New Orleans without the hurricane glasses attached to falling down drunks. You’ll even find a museum dedicated to the erotic here with lots of images of folks doing what comes naturally – mostly – as well as several of John Lennon’s erotic lithographs. Among all of these adult goings on is the Oude Kerk, an ancient wooden chapel built in 1306. The oldest in the city, it once had 38 altars each with its own guild-sponsored priest. Saskia, Rembrandt’s wife, was buried here in 1642. Today the church is mostly used as an art exhibition center. Coffee Houses If you’re looking for a good cup of java, Amsterdam’s coffee houses may not be your cup of tea. The ones here are licensed to sell and offer a comfortable and relatively safe place to partake of mariphoto courtesy Yellow Bike Amsterdam Wine Dine & Travel Fall <strong>2013</strong> | 14
Top: Busy streets in the Red Light District. Bottom: The Celebrity Constellation docked at the cruise terminal complex and the Movenpick Hotel. Left: Bike tour group and Erotic Museum in Red Light District. Museum photo by Michal Osmenda winedineandtravel.com | 15