hen you exit the train station in Amsterdam you are greeted with a street scene of canals and European buildings. Streets go off in several directions, but first you cross a canal.

Our hotel was about six long blocks from the train station, so we elected to walk. We travel lightly so only had to drag a rolling suitcase and one carry-on. Walking was not a problem but the wheels on the suitcases don't much care for cobblestones.

The route to our hotel was on Avenue Voorbrugswa, directly in front on the train station. Greeting us, and forever our first memory of Amsterdam, was a sign about four feet high and stretching across the entire street. It read, "WATCH OUT FOR PICKPOCKETS".

I wish we had taken a picture of the sign, but we did not then know how strong the impression would be. Doris took off in the lead with me a few steps behind. In no time I had a companion alongside. A pleasant looking Gypsy woman carrying a newspaper in her left hand and trying to engage me in a conversation in Spanish.

While in Albania, I learned that saying "Echkeh" in a loud guttural tone would chase such folks away, so I tried it. It works in the Netherlands, too. We did not become victims, but after that experience we were forever on the alert and that edge had a definite impact on enjoyment of Amsterdam.

I find it difficult to understand how a city that has an active tourist trade would tolerate a pickpocket problem so great as to require warning signs. But, Amsterdam seems to tolerate a lot crime and vice and has created an atmosphere that does not encourage a return trip.

Amsterdam has beautiful old buildings, a system of canals unlike any other, great museums, pot smoking coffle house, and a red light district. We used our day there to tour as much as possible.

But, first, to our hotel.

<-Back | Next ->
Previous Page | Home