ryan

Amsterdam - well it's known for its - well, many things - let's list them...no apparent order;

- Marijuana

- Sex

- Red Light District

- Canals

- Van Gogh

- Equality

- Crepes

Seriously - the list could go on and on. This was the third time I visited the city for a short weekend and I was amazed at how this small destination in a tiny country part of the European Union can be so diverse, hostorical, educational and most of all - accepting.

The first time I fled to Amsterdam was with a few gay mates - while I struggled with the cold in January the bitter rain didn't prevent us from taking in the nightlife. We strutted our stuff in Exit, cruised the bars of CockRing and bent over backwards to enjoy the full experience. It went quick, the city was easy to navigate and we were glad to get home to a warmer Britain.

The second time I hopped across the ocean I toured by bike with three friends of the hetero variety. We eat crepes, smoked joint upon joint and stuffed oursevles with the finest sweet imaginable. The hotel was a basic twin double on the outskirts of the main city, it was October when we did this so we sauntered Amsterdam in coat and scarf beneath the clear skies.

Well - the third time was much different. In fact it inspired me. I went as a couple. A romantic weekend away in a chic city. A four star designer hotel on the outskirts, we took to the tram, strolled along canels - took too the water in candlelight and munched on the biggest pork ribs we could find. Amsterdam suddely becaome the city of romance - I'd done Paris only a few months ago - but sorry mon francais ami - I prefer Amsterdam.

Of course, I'd seen it all the before, the sex museum, Van Gogh gallery, the flower market, the gay clubs, the sex clubs, the crepes, the well - see the list about. But this time we did it in our own time, going wherever the canals were taking us. We bought bulbs, shopped til we dropped, held hands, sneaked tender kisses, ate well and saw the city for what it is.

Amsterdam is a place of relaxing, politeness, acceptance, affection and most of all education. Without realising the city has managed to bring people from all cultural backgrounds into one big mix yet keep their own cultural identity. Some of it may be new, like gay equality, sex clubs and marijuana - but they have helped open the doors to new opportunties.

I'm a fan of Amsterdam - I AMsterdam - why? well - the list goes on

- Tulips

- Clogs

- Bikes....