Main Rail Station
| Amsterdam |
Main Rail Station |
The city of "choice" for Army deserters out of West Germany in the late 1960's was Amsterdam.
And why not? A short train ride took you there. The possibility of being returned to military control was remote. The people were tolerant to these Americans who were refusing to be sent to Vietnam. Pot smoking, although illegal, was overlooked by the authorities. A really great safe haven for those looking for such.
But visit Amsterdam! Accommodations within the city can be really inexpensive. My x-wife and I found a small hotel right near the center of Amsterdam for $28.00 per night. Like Paris and Brussels, clean with the shower down the hall but most adequate. A Fodors or similar travel guide is a great help.
That food! The cost of the room included breakfast which was truly continental - not instant coffee and donuts we are accustomed to here in the States, but: Hot rolls, real butter, several kinds of jelly, cheese, and eggs - all delivered to your cloth-covered table holding real silverware, china, coffee cups, and cloth napkins - by a friendly waitress.
As we were seated and waiting sipping excellent café' (not knowing what to expect), we were joined by an English couple. Our breakfast was served. The egg was in-shell in its holder and I just didn't know how to properly attack this thing. Observation saved the day! The English couple took a small spoon, tapped the top of the egg breaking it open and using the spoon dipped out the contents right from the shell. Hey, I can do that! And so the day was saved! After that breakfast treat, I truly looked forward to this time each day!
Holland = Tulips But of course! Store owners will accept your order and ship to the States at
the proper time for planting. |
The "Red Light" district you gotta see! Don't take pictures, they frown on this. Just going down the streets "window shopping" is an experience! A similar district I also observed in Inchon, Korea - some 30 waiste-high picture windows around a quadrangle with sidewalks going by each window. Each window had about 10 ladies wearing see-thru nighties (that's right, close to 300 hookers - American, European, Oriental, African, you name it, they were there!). They were all busy at work - knitting, playing cards, sewing, what ever. A madam at each doorway lured the "Johns" in if possible - a fee was agreed on and...And "Hey, Goodlooking"!. Gee, if I had not been married maybe, just maybe....
Patsy checks a typical street in Amsterdam. Notice the outside dining at a Café on the right. All over Europe you see this. NEAT!
Another treat: "Frites" sold in stands but not just in Holland, but on local highways all through Europe. French Fries. The common dip was mayonnaise, but one could order ketchup if desired . But try the mayonnaise! My X and I both enjoyed the taste and even today I sometimes ask for mayonnaise when eating French fries. The old "when in Rome" applies!
The Hague
Holland
Italy
