10 FACTS ABOUT AMSTERDAM
- Aug 8, 2015
- 5 min read
10 FAT FACTS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands (Holland). Now there's somethings that I've learnt and you probably didn't know about this amazing city:
#1 The most amazing way to get around is via bicycle.
There are bicycles everywhere. I read that in the 1950s and 1960s, where car ownership rocketed, roads became increasingly congested and then there were the jump in car numbers that caused a huge rise in the number of deaths on the roads. Soon after social movements demanded safer cycling conditions for children. Together with the Middle East oil crisis in 1973, it took a hit on the sustainability of motor vehicles, since then the Dutch government resorted to invest in improved cycling infrastructures.
Now, Dutch people tend to go helmet-free because of the cycle-centric rules of the roads and the way the road infrastructure is designed. You'd probably be curious as I am, why do so many dutch people cycle? In an article, it was written: "We aren't cyclists, we're just Dutch."
Read more here (BBC news): http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-23587916
Well, if cycling is not your thing nor is walking, you could always take a tram. And the interesting thing is they have a ticket seller inside the tram itself to sell you tickets. Pretty cool right?
#2 Canals, canals and canals everywhere.
Amsterdam has more than 160 canals and over 1,250 bridges, and it is also known as the most watery cities in the world. The 17th century Canal Belt is listed on UNESCO's world heritage list, and the red light district hosts one of the oldest canals in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has more canals than Venice. Today, the canals make an easy way for the locals to travel to work. Unfortunately, you are also not allowed to swim in the canals.
The canals in Amsterdam provide a popular place for recreational activities, from boating to parades. If you're fond of a canal tour, you can also book the Amsterdam Canal Cruise. But did you know, the canals are also home to alot of treasure - trash?
The canals of Amsterdam become trash cans for over 25,000 bicycles each year! They say only 8,000 bikes are pulled out of the canals annually. But I find it kinda amuzing to even have so many bicycles under water.
#3 The buildings look like they're sinking.
The whole Amsterdam is built entirely on water, at least most of it. And you would probably have noticed some buildings are loopsided.
It is because the soil underneath are swampy. Buildings in Amsterdam are built on poles that are dug deep into the ground to prevent the buildings from sinking. #funfact 11,000,000: That's the approximate number of wooden poles that support Amsterdam's buildings. All of the structures in the city are supported by 15 to 20 meter long wood poles that sink through the mud and are fixed in a sandy layer that is 11 meters deep on average. (Source: http://awesomeamsterdam.com/articles/361/10-fun-facts-about-amsterdam)
#4 Amsterdam is the home of many nationalities.
During the Dutch Empire, the dutch colonized many countries including Indonesia, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Surinam, South Africa, parts of what is now the east coast of the U.S., and some other small areas.
Well, the dutch people also came to Malacca, Malaysia and stayed for almost 183 years. But the Dutch preferred Batavia (present day Jakarta) and decided to exchange with the British. It's not surprising to find someone speaking Indonesian while you're happily bitching about stuff in Malay, and they'll be looking like you and giving you the funny look. (Perks of travelling with Malaysian friends)
#5 Amsterdam openly promotes gay and lesbian rights. Amsterdam is the first capital city in the world to allow gay marriage which includes all rights and obligations for gay and lesbian couples. Amsterdam is one of the most gay-friendly cities, I have ever visited.
Phrase of the day: "Live and Let Live"
The Netherlands actually opened the doors to same sex marriage in 2001 and within 10 years it saw 15,000 same-sex couples marry legally. Interested to be part of one of the most interesting LGBT events in Amsterdam? Check out Amsterdam Gay Pride 2016 next August.
#6 The Netherlands is the world’s biggest exporter of beer. Twice as much beer is exported from the Netherlands than the United States, the second biggest exporter.
I didn't know Heineken is a dutch beer, certainly didn't know Heineken was founded in Amsterdam in 1864. Didn't manage to visit the brewery because it was closed at 7pm.
#7 Coffeeshops in Amsterdam are not what you think they are: Coffeeshops are alcohol-free establishments where soft drugs legally are sold and consumed.
Want a decent cup of coffee? Visit the cafe or restaurants facing the main roads (I'd say Dam Square you'd find some pretty decent ones, but rarely in the Red Light District). I was told the locals actually enjoy having their cup of coffee, or beer, or meals facing the roads. And so, being touristy and trying to blend in, we sat by one of the restaurants. To be honest, it's actually quite nice watching people walking.
#8 Tulips in Amsterdam!
Well I didn't manage to see any tulips in Amsterdam when I was there because it was way over the season. I was told that Tulip season starts in mid-April. Tulips grow extrememly well on dutch soil, but the first tulip buds were imported from Turkey to the Netherlands. If you want to see Tulips, or buy them home, you can find them in the famous flower market - Bloemenmarkt in Singel.
#9 The total number of Museums in Amsterdam is 75. Some are dedicated to chess, bags and purses, funerals, Heineken, the history of sex and houseboats.
But a friend told me, you don't have to waste your money to visit the sex museums because most of the houses keep their curtains open at night. And there are so many indoor and outdoor live shows, you don't necessary need to pay to see the real thing in action. But the art museums are pretty worth visiting, I'll probably want to go to Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum the next time I'm back.
#10 The Red Light district is one of the safest parts in Amsterdam.
In the Safe Cities Index 2015 White Paper published by The Economist, Amsterdam ranks as the 5th safest city in the world. Stockholm (4) and Zurich (7) are the two other Europeans cities in the Top 10. (Source: http://amsterdamfaq.com/1/amsterdam).
I REALLY LIKE YOU, AMSTERDAM! Tom Hanks, and wait... That looks like Justin Bieber :3
Next post about my amsterdam trip coming up soon!
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