Shoes, beers and sex: all in a day in Amsterdam

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This was published 13 years ago

Shoes, beers and sex: all in a day in Amsterdam

By Leah McLennan
Seeing women parade their wares in red-fringed window parlours can bring an interesting array of emotions to the surface.

Seeing women parade their wares in red-fringed window parlours can bring an interesting array of emotions to the surface.Credit: AFP

On my last day in the Netherlands I set myself a challenge: Buy a pair of size 12 shoes, enjoy a beer at one of the best pubs in the world and take a tour of the red light district.

Can all this be done in a Dutch day?

Firstly the feet.

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The Dutch are the tallest people in Europe so it follows that they would have big feet.

For those looking for shoes for giant appendages, the Netherlands is your place.

At Caland Schoen in Amsterdam - a store specialising in whopping great shoes - I find a great pair of green suede boots.

The store, which also has a branch in Rotterdam, has women's shoes up to size 13 and men's shoes up to size 16.

Now for the beer.

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The Netherlands has a long and proud beer history.

Besides those well known brands - Heineken, Amstel and Grolsch - this low-lying tiny country produces more than 30 other brands of beer.

A good place to sample these brews is at a "brown bar" - an old style Dutch drinking establishment.

The brown bar got its name from the earthy hue given to the walls by years of cigarette smoke.

Wearing my new green suede shoes I make a beeline for one of the best traditional pubs in The Netherlands - De Witte Aap or The White Monkey in the heart of Rotterdam (one hour by train from Amsterdam).

De Witte Aap is a delightful bar full to the brim with a vibrant mix of locals and students, businessmen and tourists.

To go with my beer I order bitterballen - ugly but delicious meat balls served with a dipping mustard - and after stumbling outside, I finish off the meal with a raw herring from a nearby fish stall.

And now for the sex.

Red light districts can be found in most cities in Holland but of course the biggest and most famed is in Amsterdam.

I jump on the train at Rotterdam and head to Amsterdam to join an evening walking tour of the raunchy district.

From giant vibrators in sex shop windows to huge plastic phalluses standing erect at the Sex Museum, the red light district leaves absolutely nothing to one's imagination.

Prostitution, which was legalised just over a decade ago in the Netherlands, is flourishing, just as it has done since the 1600s - when the country's naval prowess ensured Amsterdam became a major port busy with plenty of sailors looking for sex.

Amsterdam's red light district is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime.

Seeing women parade their wares in red-fringed window parlours can bring an interesting array of emotions to the surface.

It can be saddening to see the women - many of whom are victims of their nationality and background - selling their bodies. But on the other hand, it can also be reassuring to know that prostitutes in Holland work in an industry that is protected by law.

Two hours into the tour and I'm overwhelmed with impressions - enough hookers, herring and Heineken for one day.

Reassessing my to do list for the day I realise I have ticked everything off.

Only in a Dutch day could you drink a beer whilst eating space cake, catch a canal boat to shop for giant shoes and peruse dildos whilst discussing Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer.

FAST FACTS

GETTING THERE

A large number of carriers, including low cost ones, fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol daily. If you're flying from Australia try Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com).

PLAYING THERE

Shoe shop for big feet (www.calandschoen.nl). De Witte Aap pub (www.dewitteaap.nl). Amsterdam Red Light District Tour (www.amsterdamtour.nl)

MORE INFORMATION

www.holland.com

AAP

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