Atlantica - 01.09.2002, Blaðsíða 23

THE NEW AMSTERDAM. THE BRILLIANT ARCHITECTURE OF JAVA-EILAND ECHOES THE GRANDEUR OF OLD CITY IN AN ORIGINAL AND INNOVATIVE WAY.
Paris, or Buckingham Palace in London, visit the red-light district,
but then turn your attention to something more interesting.
IF YOU FELL FROM THE SKY and landed in one of the canal corners of
Amsterdam, you would soon realise where in the world you were,
even if you had never been to the city before. Few places have such
a strong and unique character as the capital of Holland, with all its
canals, more than 1,300 bridges and countless bicycles (which first-
time visitors will have a hard time trying to avoid while out
strolling). The canals are both helpful, for guidance around the city,
and confusing, as they are horseshoe-shaped and tend to make
tourists end up walking in a circle. The most beautiful canals, with
the most glamorous houses, are Herengracht, Keizersgracht and
Prinsengracht. Anyone spending a few days in Amsterdam will not
be able to avoid walking along the banks of these three canals.
It’s also worthwhile locating and exploring smaller canals, like
Egelantiergracht and Brouwersgracht, the last of which lies on the
boundaries of one of the cosiest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam,
Jordaan, in the west end of the city. Not that there’s much to see in
Jordaan; on the contrary, there are no major museums, monu-
ments or particular historical buildings of interest. In Jordaan, it’s
the free and easy atmosphere which is the main attraction, along
with the numerous cafés, restaurants and small shops offering
everything under the sun. It’s safe to recommend Small World
(Binnen Oranjestraat 14), one of the best places to go for a light
snack (which comes in a large portion) or sandwich. It is a tiny cor-
ner place, owned by an Australian restaurateur, who makes sure
that everything is under control, is not afraid to do the job himself
and offers a “g’day” in a way that makes you feel like he means it.
Another nice place, although completely different, is West Pacific
(Haarlemmerweeg 6/10), a restaurant by day, café, then bar, and
finally a club by night. The food is perhaps not as great as at Small
World, but there’s more space to stretch your limbs in the city’s for-
mer main gas factory, Westergasfabriek.
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