backpacking

After 12 hours confined in the economy seats we were eagered and ready to bulldoze our way out of the the KLM Boeing 747 once it reached the Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam. Most flights int o Holland arrived during the day, so our first day of travelling Europe began at the Airport.

We reached this modern airport at 5.25pm (local time) and like our Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Schiphol is also easy to navigate with ample signages written both in Dutch and English. Believe it or not, the airport is 3.6 metre below sea level.

The name Schiphol comes from a ship hole because the area was formerly a lake where many ships had sunk. Once we had our passports stamped and retrieved our bags at the carousel, we headed to the train tickets counters located in the airport itself.

The transportation link in Schiphol airport is really impressive. Tourists can have their own choice of travelling to the city. A taxi fare to the city cost NG60-70 (RM90-105) and the journey took around 15 minutes.

However, those who have limited budget (like us) should take a train to the main station as the ticket would only cost GN6 (RM9). All the trains from the international airport headed to the Centraal Station and the journey took about 20 minutes.
Although the system is good, the double-decker trains are not very user-friendly, especially to travellers who carry big bags.

There are a few steps to nevigate to go to both upper and lower decks. The aisle is also narrow and I found the glass doors saparating each compartments troublesome where it is quite difficult to push the door and lug the bags at the same time. Nevertheless, the scenery along the tracks instantly cured our tiredness.

We passed a few canals where the water is very clean, cute modern houses with tulips on the windowsill and a few commercial buildings. Upon reaching the Centraal Station, we tasted our first Amsterdam windy climate.

It instantly reminded us of one funny scene in the movie Cool Runnings where the four rastamen had their first taste of snow. Although it was not dramatic as in the movie, 17C is just too much for us, especially with our slim jacket it was just not warm enough.

From the Centraal, we took another underground train- metro- to Newmarkt, where our hostel is located. We have booked beds at the Shelter City Christian Youth Hostel at Barndesteeg 21, in Newmarkt.

Thanks to the hostel booking manager, Martijn Rutgers, it was quite easy to find the place especially with the landmark De Waag (Weigh House) that was smacked right in the centre of the square.

It is very near to the tourists attractions namely Dam Square, Madame Tussaud's, Rembrandt's House and not forgetting the Red Light District. The Shelter City has a total of 168 beds in 7 single-sex dormitories (there is no single or double rooms) and is well equipped with cafetaria, showers, bed linen and a locker.

A bed cost GN25 (RM37.50) during the low season (October-March) and GN28 (RM42) in high season (April-Sept) per night. It is open from 7.30am to midnight from Sunday till Thursday. However on Frid ay and Saturday the curfew is at 1am.

As it was in spring season, the day is longer than the night. At 8pm after freshen up, we decided to explore the Newmarkt. Our exploration brought us to Zeedijk where many restaurants offering Indonesian Italianand dutch cuisines.

We found a Malaysian restaurant called Wau Restaurant but decided to try the food at a nearby Indonesian Bunga Mawar restaurant. After we had our dinner, we accidently stumbled the famous Red Light District where tax-paying women offering their wares inside glass windows.

It was nearing 10pm and the district is bustling with activities. Under the red lights and accompanied with songs blasting from speakers, the girls behind the glass windows danced seductively to invite male tourists for their services.

Although prostutition is the core business, the area is safe for tourists, it is still not advisable especially female to venture into the district at night. We headed back to the hostel by 11.30pm.

For further information on the hostel :
The Shelter City
Barndesteeg 21, 1012 BV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Phone: + 31 (0) 20 6253230
Fax: + 31 (0) 20 6232282
Web site: www. shelter.nl

ends