By now you must be accustomed to what the Hive Fest in Amsterdam was like. But what about Amsterdam itself? What is it like? The atmosphere in the famous city?
I am going to take you to one of the most popular spots in Amsterdam - no, not the famous district (at least not yet), but the Dam Square. The square is a straight line from the Amsterdam Centraal station, just about a 10 minutes walk away.
Bubbles in the air, Middle-eastern music in the wind with a heavy touch of sax, tourists performing caucasian folk dance to it, some wearing short dresses, others in winter gear, and lots of snack stands. Very uncanny of "typical Amsterdam" you always hear.
The entire city has a very "chaotic neutral" feel to it. There seems to be an orderly disorder everywhere. A unique experience, as far as I understand.
Since the majority of the crowd ends up detouring to the Dam square, it is almost always the place where all the "action" is...depending on what you consider "action". Of course, this one of the two places where everybody ends up when exploring the main parts of the city. It is either here or the red light district. I have noticed, if you are within the "center" of the city, all the streets lead you to either of these 2 places.
The city is incredibly welcoming. It is a place where you can never fear being yourself. However, there is one thing I can never get used to - the smell. The first step into the city always comes with a major whiff of marijuana, and I never seem to get used to it.
I am yet to learn about the city in depth, but I have to come believe that the predominant culture right now is a mix of many sub-cultures. A culture that is the end result of having the best from all over the world. Nobody cares who you are, what you look like, what language you speak, or what you enjoy doing. It is all-smiles in Dam square.
Koninklijk Paleis op de Dam - Royal Palace on Dam Square
The Dam square is surrounded by beautiful architecture. The square itself stands afront the Royal Palace. One of the most renowned and important monuments in the entire Netherlands. It used to be a townhall, and a small board still hangs by the gate paying homage to what it originally was built for. Now, it is the king's reception palace and a major attraction. When not engaged for official king business, the palace is open to visitors for about 10-12 euros a ticket.
The grandiose structure, prominent evidence of aging, awesome display of luxury, hard to not appreciate its beauty. You can learn more about the Royal Palace on the website.
"Frites" on the stairs of the Royal Palce
De Nieuwe Kerk - The New Church
Yet another breathtaking structure on the Dam square is the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). An incredibly beautiful structure right next to the Royal Palace. Much like the Zuiderkerk, where the HiveFest conference day 2 was held, this church also is not used as a church anymore.
For many years now, it has become a very highly sought after space for art exhibitions, along with royal ceremonies, and a place visitors like to go to. The museum is open to visitors, and halls can be rented if and when available. One part of the building hosts a cozy little cafe which also has an entrance to the church. You can learn more about the Nieuwe Kerk on their website.
Madame Tussaud, Amsterdam
On the other side of the Dam square is the Madame Tussaud museum. In the same building you will also find a tours & tickets shop, a computer repair shop, and a Peek & Cloppenburg. I'll let you guess where the long queue under the building is heading.
I know a few of the HiveFest attendees wanted to visit the museum but were disappointed as there were no tickets available. It is usually difficult to find a ticket on-the-spot and getting tickets way before hand is the way to go. I am still yet to visit the museum but it is on the list, along with the Van Gogh museum.
It is rare to find a beautiful sunny day in Amsterdam. The same goes for the entire country. I got lucky when I visited the square. But almost at all times, come rain or shine, the Dam square is pretty packed. The day I visited I also got to spend time with the pigeons. Just like Amsterdam, they are bold, welcoming, and friendly.
De Bijenkorf and Nationaal Monument op de Dam from Dam square
Opposite the infamous Dam square is De Bijenkorf and Nationaal Monument op de Dam, which literally translate into The Beehive and National Monument on Dam.
Nationaal Monument op de Dam
It is easy to think that all these structures are on the same square and one if you are not careful. The busy square bustling with people often camouflage the small yet busy road in between. Condsidering the "chaotic neutral" atmosphere of the place, there is little to no attention paid to traffic or traffic lights here. People cross the street as they like, bikers would not bat an eye before crashing into anyone and anything, cars do what they have to or else would hold up the entire street. However, there were little to none incidents and accidents I came across here. Conclusion: Very safe.
There are lots of processions, parades, shows, even protests here. You can see one such protest I came across on the Dam square here.
Depending on when you go, you might come across a fenced National Monument as it often goes through repairs or cleaning. The monument features a tall pillar with a wall behind it. On the pillar there are men, chained man, lions and inscriptions. The wall behind also has inscriptions on it.
Every 4th of May, world war 2 commemorations take place here. The monument stands for peace and also a reminder of suffering and consequences of war. Although I might not truly understand the different structures of the monument completely, or what the inscriptions mean, there is a deep connection present. I understand now.
When not being truly admired for what it is, the stairs of the monument are used for a quick break bench :D
De Bijenkorf (The Beehive) is a huge shopping mall. In front of the Dam square and right next to the Nationaal Monument. A multi-storied shopping mall to quench your thirst for...actually, there is nothing to drink in there. However, you will find shoes, clothes, perfumes, jewellery and much more. Also, long queues of non-eu customers who want to buy luxury European brands for cheaper than in non-eu countries.
It is always busy around here. I have never seen or felt anything like this. It actually feels incredible to be in Amsterdam and I can understand why is it a box many want to tick when travelling. Outside the Beehive there are plenty of restaurants and souvernier shops. If you keep walking you will come across the infamous slim streets and more...
Dam square, Royal Palace, and Nieuw Kirk from the Nationaal Museum
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