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London to Amsterdam

May 23, 2005

From London, we headed to the White Cliffs of Dover, so-called because of its literal description. It was the magnificent scenery we had aboard the top deck of the ferry that took us from London to France. We crossed the Strait of Dover (called Pas de Calais in French), the shortest distance between the two countries, which is also part of the English Channel (La Manche).

The ferry reminded me of Titanic: cars were parked on the lower decks, and during the ride, we were free to socialize, shop, eat, or do whatever we pleased. This was when we first bonded as a group, and made new friends. We weren’t the only tour group that was aboard the ferry, and it was fun to see all these people from diverse nationalities having the time of their lives! The most amazing part of it all was: I was in it. =)

It was also unbelievable that one of the members from our tour group was a former classmate of my friend in the Philippines. Such a small world it is! =)

After docking in France, it was a long drive passing through Belgium to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Netherlands: the home of windmills and tulips! It is below sea level, so constant irrigation is necessary to avoid flooding, and for hygienic purposes as well. We stayed in a “Botel” which was a boat turned into a hotel. Surprisingly, it was a very comfortable and cozy place. I managed to memorize the maze connecting my room to my friends’. Navigation skill proved to be an asset, especially when you explore the city without the tour manager.

After dinner at the botel, we went for a cruise in the city, showcasing Amsterdam from the canals. Their canals were much wider than in Venice. We partied inside the boat while it drizzled outside, making the cruise more romantic than it already was… We saw Centraal Station (yes, with two A’s), Anne Frank’s house, the replica of Hong Kong’s floating restaurant, the seven identical arches of seven parallel bridges, and the “narrow bridge” where myth has it that whoever kisses while passing underneath will stay together forever.

After the cruise, we were brought to the Red Lights District for the real taste of Amsterdam. Now, that was unique! The green glowing building of The Grasshopper was overshadowed by the endless alleys of women in their lingeries seducing customers from their private rooms. It was very much like window-shopping, but kinky. After all, prostitution and drugs are legal in Amsterdam. XXX movie rentals and sex shops were rampant.

With regards to drugs, one should be aware of the difference between a coffee house and a coffee shop. The former is a place for coffee, while the latter is a bar or restaurant that includes a separate menu for drugs, which are quite affordable.

They also have public urinals, even for women, much like the ones they have in Manila.

We came to Netherlands in perfect time for the Tulip Festival. Ironically, the only tulips we saw were the ones sold in the market. It wasn’t until we arrived in Germany that we saw rows and rows of tulips.

Next stop, Germany! :)

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