Stepping off the edge

I’d previously visited this city of canals and bicycles, Gouda cheese and sicky sweet stroopwaffles, but forgotten all the many things it is known for…

Sex is a big part of the Amsterdam culture from the Red Light District to sex shops including this condom store.

Beauty – whether in the street art and decorations or the stylish clothes the locals wear or the classy shops, there is beauty everywhere in Amsterdam.

Did you know that tulip bulbs were imported from Iran and other central Asian countries? The Dutch East India company brought them to Holland in the 17th Century where they have become an international industry.

My grandparents came to Amsterdam in the 1960’s and brought everyone back a piece of Blue Delft China, mostly little windmills. Blue Delft china has been produced since the mid-1600s. This is a giant Blue Delft Miffy, a fictional rabbit appearing in a series of picture books drawn and written by Dutch artist Dick Bruna. 

And finally, Van Gogh. Despite a troubled life and little to no acclaim while he was alive, he’s become Amsterdam’s favourite son. Known for painting bright colours and having produced more works of art than any other artist.